SINGAPORE: Singapore and Mongolia have a solid foundation to develop their relationship, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Friday July 8, adding that the two countries enjoy a warm and long-standing relationship.

Speaking at an official lunch held for the visit of Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, Mr Lee said: “We share a common goal of promoting international trade, maintaining regional peace and stability. and the defense of an open and inclusive rules-based multilateral system”.

Mr Oyun-Erdene arrived in Singapore on Wednesday, his first visit to Singapore since taking office in January last year.

Singapore and Mongolia celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations two years ago.

Lee said the two countries complement each other. For example, while Mongolia has vast natural resources, Singapore has good connectivity and provides a hub and gateway for Mongolian exports in the region and beyond, he said.

“In times of need, our countries supported each other,” Lee said, noting that the Temasek Foundation donated test kits to Mongolia when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

“The Mongolian government has provided gift bags to Singapore’s frontline healthcare workers, which has brought them much joy and encouragement,” he added.

Singapore and Mongolia also recognize the value of developing their human resources, Lee said.

Under the Singapore Cooperation Programme, Singapore hosted more than 1,600 Mongolian officials to exchange views and discuss experiences in finance, economic development, language and communication skills, as well as of public administration.

Singapore looks forward to more Mongolian officials participating in the program in the future, Lee said.

“I am confident that our countries will continue to strengthen our collaboration as we move forward in a post-COVID-19 world,” he added.

AREAS OF COOPERATION

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a press statement that the two leaders reaffirmed friendly bilateral relations and discussed areas of cooperation such as capacity building and urban development projects.

They also welcomed the signing of MoUs between Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) and Mongolian ministries.

The agreements cover the review and development of a comprehensive and sustainable pension system in Mongolia, as well as capacity building programs for public housing, the foreign ministry said.

The two prime ministers also reaffirmed their joint commitment to maintaining a rules-based multilateral system and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Mr. Oyun-Erdene also had a new orchid hybrid, the Papilionanda Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, named in his honour.

“This orchid is a beautiful symbol of friendship between Singapore and Mongolia. May it continue to bloom and flourish for a long time,” Mr Lee said in his speech.

Mr Oyun-Erdene will leave Singapore on Saturday, the foreign ministry said.