The Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Dr Manmohan Singh met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who also hosted him to lunch at the Istana today. Prime Minister Singh paid a courtesy call on President Tony Tan Keng Yam and met former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
Prime Minister Singh and Prime Minister Lee reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations that continue to deepen and broaden in scope, covering areas such as high-level consultations, trade and investment, defence, security, education, culture and people-to-people ties They agreed that economic linkages have expanded considerably since the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in 2005; and they expressed the hope that the early conclusion of the ongoing second review of the CECA will further enhance the vibrant economic relationship. Both Prime Ministers also agreed to explore new areas of collaboration particularly in the fields of vocational education and skills training, as well as urban development. The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Personnel Management and Public Administration as well as the fifth Executive Programme on Cooperation in the Fields of Arts, Heritage, Archives and Library. These agreements serve to further boost the strong institutional linkages and exchanges in the bilateral relationship. A regular dialogue will be established between the Parliament and the Lok Sabha (Indian Lower House of Parliament).
In their wide ranging discussions, the Prime Ministers also exchanged views on international and regional developments including the global economic situation, and outcomes of the recently concluded ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit. Prime Minister Singh spoke about India's high regard for Singapore as a key partner in the region; India's Look East policy started with its engagement of Singapore, and Singapore has been among the strongest advocates for closer cooperation between India and Southeast Asia. Prime Minister Lee expressed the hope that India will continue to deepen its engagement of Singapore and Southeast Asia, including ASEAN. India plays a key role in the stability and progress in the region. ASEAN and India will commemorate 20 years of partnership in 2012. Prime Minister Lee expressed Singapore's support for India's bid for permanent membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council. He accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Singh to make a bilateral visit India next year.
Prime Minister Singh and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh officiated the unveiling of the Jawaharlal Nehru Marker at the Asian Civilisations Museum Green, underscoring the historical links between India and Singapore. Prime Minister Singh returns to New Delhi this evening.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
20 NOVEMBER 2011