Phnom Penh, 13 November 2022 (TDI): Premier of China, Li Keqiang met with Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong at Phnom Penh during the East Asian Cooperation Leaders’ Metting on 11 November 2022.
Premier Li Keqiang is on a visit to Cambodia to attend the 25th ASEAN-China summit and East Asia Leaders Summit in Phnom Penh.
During the visit, the Premier in a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart discussed bilateral relations and areas to enhance cooperation.
Remarks of Premier Li Keqiang
According to the statement released by the State Council of China, Premier Li Keqiang expressed that China and Singapore are close neighbors and bilateral cooperation is continuously enhancing and depend on the relations between China and Singapore.
Moreover, he showed a willingness to intensify exchanges at all levels between both countries to elevate cooperation in all key sectors.
On top of that, he said that Singapore is an important source of foreign capital for China, and China wants to achieve new breakthrough in bilateral trade volume.
The Prime Minister of China offered the Prime Minister of Singapore to follow up negotiations to upgrade the free trade agreement, jointly implement the construction plan of the new international land-sea trade channel, and build the Tianjin Eco-City.
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Besides that, he hoped that both countries will build a flagship project for bilateral cooperation, effectively maintain the safety and smoothness of the industrial chain and supply chain, and maintain regional and world peace and stability.
After the end of the pandemic, China is willing to increase direct flights to better facilitate people-to-people exchange between both countries, Premier Li Keqaing said.
Li Keqiang emphasized the importance of China-ASEAN cooperation readiness to work with Singapore and ASEAN in mutual interest to advance economic integration and promote sustainability and growth in Southeast Asia.
Remarks by the Prime Minister of Singapore
Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong talked about China-Singapore relations and that they remained unchanged despite major changes in international and regional situations.
He ensured that Singapore will work closely with China to cooperate on free trade, digital economy, green development, and other bilateral fields.
Moreover, both countries will cooperate to make new contributions to regional stability and development. In conclusion, Prime Minister welcomed China’s application to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien also showed support towards China for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
