A delegation of German parliamentarians from the Junge Gruppe (“Young Group”) of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) /Christian Social Union (CSU) parties is visiting Singapore from 16 to 18 August 2016. The delegation is led by Chairman of the Junge Gruppe, Mr Steffen Bilger. They are visiting Singapore under an inaugural study visit programme initiated by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help strengthen parliamentary ties.
The delegation paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan earlier today. They affirmed the excellent ties between Singapore and Germany, and discussed opportunities for further collaboration, as well as developments in Asia and Europe. The German parliamentarians also expressed their strong support for the expeditious ratification of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. This was followed by lunch hosted by Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Transport, Mrs Josephine Teo. In addition, the delegation met Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development, Dr Koh Poh Koon. The delegation was hosted to dinner yesterday by Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Manpower, Mr Sam Tan.
This evening, the delegation will observe a Meet-the-People Session hosted by Mayor of Central Singapore District Ms Denise Phua. Tomorrow, they will call on Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mr Lim Biow Chuan and meet other Singapore Members of Parliament. They will also have briefings by the Religious Rehabilitation Group and the Smart Nation Programme Office. The delegation has also visited the URA City Gallery and HDB Hub/Toa Payoh town to learn more about Singapore’s urban development and housing policies.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
17 AUGUST 2016