Chinese President Hu Jintao said Saturday bilateral relations
between China and Singapore had seen remarkable growth since the
two countries established diplomatic relations.
Hu made the remark during his meeting with Lee Kuan Yew, senior
minister of the Singaporean Prime Minister's Office, in the Great
Hall of the People in Beijing Saturday morning.
Hu spoke highly of Sino-Singaporean relations and the important
contributions that Lee made to the development of bilateral
relations. Hu said the leaders of the two countries have kept
frequent contact, thus deepening political mutual trust between the
two sides. Hu said the two countries have achieved rich results in
such cooperative areas as economy, trade, science, technology,
education and personnel training, adding that exchanges between
various departments of the two sides have been growing closer at
all levels. Hu said the two countries have maintained sound
communication and coordination in international and regional
organizations.
Hu appreciates Singapore for its adherence to the one-China
policy, its understanding and support to China's stance on the
Taiwan issue and its leadership in recognizing the full market
economy status of China among Asian countries.
Hu expressed the wish that the two sides will apply the
successful experience of the Sino-Singaporean industrial park to
new areas of cooperation. He expected that the two countries will
continue to achieve more results of cooperation and lift the
mutually beneficial and friendly relationship of cooperation to a
higher level.
Lee thanked Hu for meeting him in Beijing. Lee agreed with Hu's
positive comment on bilateral relations. He said Singapore pays
close attention to the development of China and holds confidence in
stable and sustainable development of the country.
Lee said he had noticed new changes in China every time he
visited the country. He said this time he gained a deep
understanding of the new ideas that Chinese leaders have on
national development.
Lee said Singapore is ready to strengthen cooperation with China
in all areas and continue to actively participate in the process of
modernization of China. He said this is of good value and
significance to Singapore.
Hu and Lee also exchanged views on the current situation of
China's economy and other issues.
(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2004)