Call on Myanmar State Counsellor, Union Minister in the President’s Office and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Daw Aung San Suu Kyi by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on 18 May 2016 during his introductory visit to Myanmar [Photo: MFA]MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRESS STATEMENT
INTRODUCTORY VISIT BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN TO
THE REPUBLIC OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR
17 TO 19 MAY 2016
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan called on State Counsellor, Union Minister in the President’s Office and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw this morning. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Minister Balakrishnan reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral ties as both countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Minister Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s continued and steadfast support of Myanmar’s socio-economic development, through capacity building and sharing of experience in the areas of healthcare, education, infrastructure development, national unity and social integration. They also discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in tourism, trade and investment, including the possibility of negotiating a bilateral investment treaty and improving air links.
Minister Balakrishnan was hosted to lunch by Union Minister for Education Dr Myo Thein Gyi. Minister Balakrishnan and Dr Myo Thein Gyi discussed ways to further strengthen collaboration in education, particularly in the areas of pedagogy and training of teachers. Dr Myo Thein Gyi thanked the Singapore Government for establishing the Singapore-Myanmar Vocational Training Institute (SMVTI), a flagship project in our vocational education cooperation which will benefit Myanmar’s youths. Both sides expressed their commitment to ensuring the success of the SMVTI, which Minister Balakrishnan will be visiting tomorrow.
Minister Balakrishnan also met Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Chairman of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Commission for the Assessment of Legal Affairs and Special Affairs Thura U Shwe Mann in Nay Pyi Taw and they updated Minister Balakrishnan on the developments in Myanmar. Minister Balakrishnan will meet with Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party U Thein Sein tomorrow.
This evening, Minister Balakrishnan is hosting about 160 Myanmar government officials and parliamentarians to dinner, with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as the Guest-of-Honour, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
18 MAY 2016