Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said here Thursday that his country would continue to strengthen its exchanges and cooperation with China in the military field.
Lee, when meeting with visiting Chinese top officer General Guo Boxiong, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission, said that exchanges and cooperation between the two armed forces will contribute to regional security and stability.
The prime minister also expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral defense relations.
Lee said China's outstanding performance amid the international financial crisis has benefited Southeast Asian countries, adding that Asia's economic development should rely on the region's peace and stability, in which he believes that China can and will play an important role.
He noted that Singapore has and will always stick to the ＂one China policy.＂
Guo said the friendly Sino-Singapore relationship is both strategic and necessary for both sides, and the two countries should promote bilateral defense ties to a new level.
China supports Singapore to play an active role in regional and international affairs, and is willing to enhance communication, coordination and cooperation with Singapore, Guo said.
Guo also met here Thursday with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Teo Chee Hean.
Guo said since the establishment of diplomatic ties two decades ago, the bilateral relations developed rapidly and the military ties have achieved favorable progress, adding that the two armed forces have frequently exchanged high-level visits, and both sides conducted defense discussions, joint exercises, personnel training, reciprocal visits of warships.
Teo said Singapore values its relations with China. The armed forces of both countries have expanded the cooperation and deepened the friendship.
The two sides also exchanged views on the regional security and other issues of common concern.
Guo is on a three-nation tour which has taken him to Australia and New Zealand. He arrived in Singapore Wednesday and left on Thursday for Indonesia, the last leg of the tour.
Research & Consulting