Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who is visiting Singapore, called on President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana this afternoon.
During the two meetings, the leaders reaffirmed the warm and friendly ties between the Holy See and Singapore. Cardinal Parolin conveyed his good wishes and those of His Holiness Pope Francis to the people of Singapore on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of independence. President Tan and Cardinal Parolin also had a general discussion on the importance of inter-faith dialogue and welcomed more cultural exchanges between the Holy See and Singapore. Cardinal Parolin conveyed to Prime Minister Lee his heartfelt condolences, as well as the sympathies of His Holiness Pope Francis, on the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding Prime Minister. Prime Minister Lee underscored the many contributions of the Catholic Church and community to Singapore.
Cardinal Parolin was also hosted to lunch by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam, where they exchanged views on developments in the region, the importance of maintaining inter-religious harmony and countering religious radicalism.
Earlier today, Cardinal Parolin visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore’s first World Heritage Site.
Cardinal Parolin will attend a dinner hosted by the Apostolic Nunciature of Singapore in his honour this evening. Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Manpower Hawazi Daipi will attend the dinner as a representative of the Government.
Cardinal Parolin departs for Rome later tonight.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
17 AUGUST 2015