| Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo attended the sixth meeting of the Nalanda Mentor Group (NMG) in New Delhi from 2-3 August 2010. The meeting, chaired by Professor Amartya Sen, discussed the implementation framework and operations for the Nalanda University, including the appointment of a Vice Chancellor and the establishment of offices in Delhi and Rajgir to oversee the development plans. The Bill to establish the university has been approved by the Indian cabinet, and is likely to be passed in the current session of Parliament. Mr Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar attended yesterday's NMG sessions and shared with members his state government's preliminary plans in support of the university, which includes the building of a new international airport, roads, other infrastructure and ancillary services. The Bihar government had already set aside some 500 acres of land for the university campus. |
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Minister Yeo informed the NMG of the considerable interest generated in Singapore over the proposed university. He had spoken to some leaders of the Buddhist community in Singapore, who indicated that they were prepared, in principle, to help raise funds for the construction of the Nalanda University Library, once plans for the new university were drawn up and approved. They believed that given enough time, they should be able to raise S$ 5-10 million from Singaporeans, especially the Buddhist community. This was warmly welcomed by the other NMG members. Minister Yeo met his counterpart Indian Minister of External Affairs S M Krishna, who also hosted him to lunch. Their discussions were wide-ranging, covering the growth of the bilateral account between India and Singapore and between India and ASEAN, as well as regional security interests. Minister Yeo also met Minister of Home Affairs P Chidambaram, and will be hosted to a dinner by Minister of Road Transport and Highways Kamal Nath. Minister Yeo has known both Indian Ministers for many years. . . . . . MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SINGAPORE 3 AUGUST 2010 |