Zhang Gaoli Meets with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean

2013-10-22 18:00

On Oct. 21, 2013, Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of the State Council arrived in Singapore, and met with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on the evening of that day. After the meeting, Teo Chee Hean held a welcome dinner for the group led by Zhang Gaoli.

Zhang Gaoli said that for the past 23 years since the establishment of China-Singapore diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have seen rapid development, bilateral cooperation level has continued to be upgraded, and blending of interests has increasingly deepened. The China-Singapore three cooperative mechanisms of vice-prime-minister level are an important symbol of the special friendly cooperative relations between the two countries. We should continue to give play to the role of the three cooperative mechanisms. First, we should adhere to stability, continue to perfect the mechanism construction, and well plan the development of China-Singapore cooperation; Second, we should maintain continuity, inherit successful experience from previous mechanism meetings, and keep the forward-lookingness and pragmatic work style of the mechanism; Third, we need to strengthen creativity, and continue to develop cooperative areas that are in line with realistic needs and the trend of the times.

Zhang Gaoli said that it was his first time to attend the meeting after becoming the President, on the Chinese side, of the China-Singapore three cooperative mechanisms of vice-prime-minister level, and he is looking forward to cooperating sincerely with your excellency to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, bringing the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations to a new stage and to a new high.

Teo Chee Hean said that today I read a bylined article published at the Lianhe Zaobao by Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, and I fully agree with Zhang Gaoli's remarks on the relationship between Singapore and China as well as his views about the direction of future bilateral cooperation. The further development of Singapore-China friendly relations will not only bring tangible benefits to the two peoples, but also be conducive to peace and prosperity in the region. Singapore has made full preparations for the meeting of the three cooperation mechanisms, and believes that the two sides will achieve positive results in promoting Singapore-China cooperation in all areas and in finding new cooperation points.