Singapore – Singapore and Timor Leste reaffirmed warm relations on Friday (Aug 14), as Mentoring Minister Xanana Gusmao arrived in the Republic for a study visit.

Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam met Mr Gusmao on Friday. Mr Shanmugam expressed appreciation for Timor Leste's support following the death of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a news release.

The National Parliament of Timor Leste had paid tribute to Mr Lee. Former President Jose Ramos-Horta and President of the Council of Ministers Agio Pereira had also represented Timor Leste at the Lying-in-State.

Mr Shanmugam also reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to assist Timor Leste's capacity-building efforts through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP). The two ministers also discussed recent developments in the region and Timor Leste.

Timor Leste's Minister of Social Solidarity Isabel Guterres and Vice Minister of Finance Helder Lopes were also present at the meeting, said MFA.

Mr Gusmao is leading a high-level Timor Leste delegation on a study visit to Singapore, which include taking a look at the public service policies and the Central Provident Fund. Mr Gusmao will depart Singapore on Saturday. (CNA/ms)

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-timor-leste/2050886.html