Singapore PM meets Chinese state councilor

SINGAPORE, Aug. 29 -- Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday met with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi in Singapore.

Yang said 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, he hopes the two countries take this opportunity to strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen mutual trust and lift bilateral ties to a higher level.

Yang said that the Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-city have become models for bi-lateral collaboration and he hopes the two sides continue to work closely and use their advantages to engage in more collaboration.

Talking about China-ASEAN relationship, Yang emphasized China's firm stand on strengthening the good-neighbourly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with ASEAN. China is willing to push forward the relationship with ASEAN countries, and as Singapore will host as the coordinator between China and ASEAN next year, China is willing to work with Singapore to promote greater progress in China-ASEAN relationship, Yang said.

Yang also welcomed Lee to attend the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanjing in September this year, and the APEC Economic leaders' Informal Meeting in Beijing this November.

Lee said Singapore hopes to realize exchanges of visits by leaders from two sides as the two countries celebrate their 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations, adding that he looks forward to welcoming President Xi to pay a state visit to Singapore.

In response to Yang's emphasis on China's position on South China Sea, Lee said that Singapore attaches great importance to China's position on the South China Sea issue, and he hopes all parties could work together to maintain peace and stability in the area.

Yang also met with deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Minister for Law and Foreign Affairs K Shanmugam on the same day.