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SINGAPORE: Singapore and Mongolia have a sound foundation to grow relations, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Friday (Jul 8), adding that the two countries have a warm and longstanding relationship.
Speaking at an official lunch hosted for visiting Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, Mr Lee said: “We share a common goal of promoting international trade, maintaining regional peace and stability, and upholding an open and inclusive rules-based multilateral system.”
Mr Oyun-Erdene arrived in Singapore on Wednesday, his first visit to Singapore since he assumed office in January last year.
Singapore and Mongolia celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations two years ago.
Mr Lee said both countries complement each other’s advantages. For instance, while Mongolia has vast natural resources, Singapore has good connectivity and offers a hub and gateway for Mongolia’s exports into the region and beyond, he said.
“In times of need, our countries have supported each other,” Mr Lee said, noting that Temasek Foundation donated test kits to Mongolia when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
“The Mongolian government provided gift bags to Singapore’s frontline healthcare workers, which brought them much cheer and encouragement,” he added.
Singapore and Mongolia also recognise the value of developing their human resources, Mr Lee said.
Through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, Singapore has welcomed more than 1,600 Mongolian officials to exchange views and discuss experiences in finance, economic development, language and communication skills, as well as public administration.
Singapore looks forward to more Mongolian officials participating in the programme in future, Mr Lee said.
“I am confident that our countries will continue to strengthen our collaboration as we move forward in a post-COVID-19 world,” he added.
AREAS OF COOPERATION
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a press statement that the two leaders reaffirmed the friendly bilateral relations, as well as discussed areas of cooperation such as capacity building and urban development projects.
They also welcomed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) and Mongolian ministries.
The agreements cover the review and development of a comprehensive and sustainable pension system in Mongolia, as well as capacity-building programmes for public housing, said MFA.
Both prime ministers also reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintain a rules-based multilateral system, and exchanged views on regional and global developments.
Mr Oyun-Erdene also had a new orchid hybrid, the Papilionanda Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, named in his honour.
“This orchid is a beautiful symbol of the Singapore-Mongolia friendship. Long may it continue to bloom and flourish,” Mr Lee said in his speech.
Mr Oyun-Erdene will leave Singapore on Saturday, MFA said.