The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that theSingaporean President’s visit is expected to reinforce the twocountries’ traditional close exchanges and further enhance theirexcellent bilateral relations.
India-Singapore relationshipencompasses strong political understanding, close defence and securitycooperation, growing complements in economic engagement, culturallinkages, and shared interests at bilateral and multilateral forums, theministry added.
On February 9, President Tony Tan Keng Yam metwith Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs MinisterSushma Swaraj.
They had wide-ranging discussions on theenhancement of bilateral relations and cooperation on regional andinternational issues to raise their partnership to a higher level. Thediscussions covered new focus areas such as specific initiatives todevelop smart cities and urban rejuvenation, promote skill development,coastal and port development, and strengthen linkages with the NorthEast of India.
The two sides also agreed on sharing experiencesin science and technology and other areas to enhance productivity andefficiency as well as broaden cooperation in fighting terrorism.
OnFebruary 10, President Tony Tan Keng Yam is set to inaugurate theSingapore Festival in India as part of celebrations of the 50thanniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations. A year-longFestival of India has also been underway in Singapore since August2014.-VNA