Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan hosted lunch for the United States Congressional delegation led by Congressional Singapore Caucus Co-Chairs Bradley Byrne (R-Alabama) and Denny Heck (D-Washington). The delegation also included Congressman Rick Larsen (D-Washington). Minister Balakrishnan and the Congressional delegation affirmed the robust and longstanding relationship between Singapore and the United States. Both sides discussed the growth opportunities in our region and the importance of continued peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen also hosted the Congressional delegation to breakfast this morning, while Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) Lim Hng Kiang and Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam had meetings with the Congressional delegation on 22 February 2017.
Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Transport Mrs Josephine Teo later hosted the Congressional delegation to a tour of Changi Airport. SMS Teo highlighted Singapore’s position as a leading global air hub, with one of the world’s highest international passenger and cargo volumes. SMS Teo also shared Changi’s expansion plans, and explained how Singapore continues to position itself for future growth by building capacity ahead of demand and pursuing the liberalisation of air services. As evidenced through past developments, the growth of Changi as an air hub coupled with the strong projected air traffic growth in the Asia-Pacific region, presents opportunities for US businesses especially those in aviation, leading to deeper bilateral trade ties.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
23 FEBRUARY 2017