Li: China places great importance on S’pore ties
BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said China places great importance on bilateral ties with Singapore.
The relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect and is one of equal footing, and this has been to the benefit of both peoples.
Premier Li told visiting Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong this at the start of their meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Li said that he hopes and trusts that China-Singapore relations will grow stronger, and that Singapore will help to bring new vitality to Asean-China ties
Lee thanked Li for the very warm welcome, and said he is very happy to be in Beijing again, particularly at this very busy time for the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party.
Lee said he is grateful for Li’s attention to bilateral ties, and also for the opportunity for both sides to discuss how to work together.
Lee said Singapore is currently the country coordinator for Asean-China relations, and will be Asean chair next year, and that he hopes Singapore in these capacities can make a contribution to bring Asean and China closer together.
The Singapore prime minister arrived in China yesterday for a three-day official visit that will also take him to Xiamen in Fujian province.