OREANDA-NEWS. November 16, 2009. Following the APEC summit, the President began a two-day visit to Singapore, the first official visit by a Russian leader in the history of the two countries’ relations. 

Mr Medvedev held talks with President of Singapore Sellapan Ramanathan, examining prospects for joint investment projects, exit measures from the global economic crisis, and the situation in the Asia-Pacific region. The President also met with Minister Mentor of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew. Following their meeting, Mr Medvedev presented Mr Lee with the Order of Friendship, awarded to the Minister Mentor for his great contribution to developing relations between the two countries.

The second day of the visit began with the presentation of an electronic government project by the Singapore Information and Telecommunication Technologies Agency. The President saw a demonstration of an information system for providing state services.

Mr Medvedev later met with members of the two countries’ business communities and also had meetings with Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

The President’s official visit concluded with the adoption of a joint statement. 

The two countries agreed to establish a high-level intergovernmental commission to organise and develop wide-ranging cooperation in various fields, including the economy, science and technology, and also political, cultural, educational and other areas.

The two countries also noted the considerable potential for developing military exchanges and security cooperation.

The joint statement gave attention to issues on the international economic and political agenda and also regional cooperation within APEC, ASEAN and other multilateral bodies.

Mr Medvedev invited Singapore’s president and prime minister, Mr Ramanathan and Mr Lee, to visit the Russian Federation. The invitations were accepted with thanks.

The President concluded his programme with a visit to the Russian missile cruiser Varyag, currently in port in Singapore. Mr Medvedev went on board the ship, learned about its history and saw a display of historical military items, following which he spent time talking with the crew in the wardroom.