Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed visited Libya on 18-21 October 2010. During the visit, SMS Zainul met Moussa Mohamed Koussa, Secretary for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation. They reaffirmed that bilateral relations are steadily growing, and discussed new areas for potential cooperation. Both also exchanged views on regional developments, including the role of China and India in Asia's economic growth. They also agreed that Singapore and Libya could act as gateways to their respective regions.
SMS Zainul also held discussions with Secretary for Asian Affairs Mohammed Omar Al-Barani, who hosted dinner for SMS Zainul and the Singapore delegation. Additionally, SMS Zainul met Mohammed-Ataher Hummoda Siala, Secretary of Cooperation Affairs, who is the newly appointed Co-Chair of the Libya-Singapore Joint Committee, which is the primary vehicle overseeing bilateral economic cooperation.
During his meeting with Dr Mahmoud Gebril, Chairman of the International Advisory Board of the Libyan National Economic Development Board (NEDB), SMS Zainul and Dr Gebril expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral economic cooperation to look into a more comprehensive approach. They agreed to identify new areas of co-operation, especially in capacity building.
After Libya, SMS Zainul will continue with a visit to the United Arab Emirates.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
21 OCTOBER 2010