Singapore Foreign Minister calls on PM

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law of Singapore K. Shanmugam called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here today.

He conveyed the message of the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, that relations between the two countries, which are based on mutual trust, should be made even stronger through a series of concrete steps.

During the meeting, it was planned that a year-long series of events be held to mark the completion of fifty years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and India. Both Prime Ministers are keen that the occasion should be celebrated in a way that further expands the canvas of the relationship.

Mutual cooperation in the fields of skill development, development of smart cities, water management, shipping, port management and coastal development was discussed in depth.

Modi said his government plans a major thrust in low-cost and affordable housing, and sought Singapore's assistance in construction technology for this purpose.

Observing that Singapore is one of the top tourist destinations worldwide, the Prime Minister suggested that Indian states should hold one-month long special campaigns in Singapore to highlight their tourism potential, during celebrations of the fifty years of relationship.

The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, High Commissioner of Singapore to India Lim Thuan Kuan and senior officials from both sides.