MFA Press Statement: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s attendance at the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting in Vientiane, Lao PDR

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, accompanied by Mrs Lee, Minister in Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu as well as senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrived in Vientiane, Lao PDR earlier this morning to attend the 9th Summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

PM Lee was warmly welcomed at the Lao National Convention Centre by Lao President Choummaly Sayasone, as well as Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong. This 9th ASEM Summit also saw the entry of Bangladesh, Norway and Switzerland as the newest partners of ASEM. At the first Plenary Session covering Economic and Financial Issues, PM Lee shared Singapore’s perspectives on the global economic situation, and what Asia and Europe could do to promote economic growth. PM Lee also called for greater cooperation and dialogue through ASEM and other forums like APEC and G20.

PM Lee also met Leaders from Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway and Switzerland on the sidelines of the 9th ASEM Summit. Minister Fu also met her counterparts from the Czech Republic and Mongolia. During their meetings, PM Lee and Minister Fu reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations between Singapore and the respective countries, and exchanged views on recent regional and international developments.

In the evening, PM Lee and Mrs Lee attended a Gala Dinner hosted by Lao President Sayasone and Mrs Sayasone. PM Lee will return to Singapore on 6 November 2012.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
5 NOVEMBER 2012