Beijing，February 21 (AseanAll) — On February 20, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met with several Chinese officials in Beijing, China.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Vivian met Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee Yin Li On February 20.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
They reaffirmed the longstanding relations between Singapore and China, which had remained strong even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
They discussed how Singapore and Beijing can deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including on the economy, research and innovation, urban planning, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Balakrishnan met and was hosted to lunch by Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China（CPC）Liu Jianchao.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
They affirmed the multifaceted partnership between Singapore and China, illustrated by how both countries had supported each other during the pandemic.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
They welcomed ongoing efforts towards the full resumption of in‑person interactions at all levels, which include government-to-government, people-to-people and party-to-party links. Such interactions play an important role in building trust and forging mutual understanding.
They also exchanged views on a wide range of international, regional and domestic developments, including the importance of good governance.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
On the same day, Balakrishnan had extensive discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang over a delegation meeting and dinner.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
The Ministers took stock of the substantive and forward-looking partnership between Singapore and China, anchored by institutional bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation and the three Government-to-Government projects in Suzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing.
Minister Balakrishnan and Minister Qin noted the mutual support that Singapore and China had given each other at critical points during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
They affirmed the commitment to step up cooperation to tap on new growth opportunities in emerging areas, such as the digital and green economies.
They agreed on the importance of doubling down on efforts to promote post-pandemic recovery, including through the full resumption of air connectivity and the increase of business and people flows between Singapore and China.
The Ministers looked forward to further high‑level exchanges between Singapore and China this year, which marks the 15th anniversary of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City. Minister Balakrishnan invited Minister Qin to make an official visit to Singapore.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
They also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments. Balakrishnan welcomed China’s continued interest to broaden and deepen its engagement of ASEAN. They also reaffirmed the critical importance of promoting peace, stability and security in the region.
