ESM Goh meets key leaders in Qatar, UAE

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has met key leaders of Qatar and United Arab Emirates, and exchanged views on geopolitical developments in the Middle East and Asia.

Mr Goh was in Doha, Qatar, from November 4 to 7, before visiting Abu Dhabi in the UAE from November 7 to 9.

In Doha, he called on Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Heir Apparent of the State of Qatar and Deputy Commander—in—Chief of the Qatari Armed Forces. They reaffirmed the excellent ties between Singapore and Qatar.

They also discussed the Qatar—Singapore High Level Joint Committee, co—chaired by Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean.

In Abu Dhabi, Mr Goh called on General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

They expressed satisfaction at the growing bilateral interactions between Singapore and the UAE, and acknowledged the good progress of the Abu Dhabi—Singapore Joint Forum.

They also discussed how both countries could enhance bilateral cooperation in areas such as water management, human resource development and joint economic projects in third countries.

Mr Goh also met Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice—Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, who noted the excellent state of bilateral relations. He expressed interest in sending his officials to learn about Singapore’s policies on human resource development and public governance.

Other prominent personalities Mr Goh met in Abu Dhabi included Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi; and Sultan Bin Nasser Al Suwaidi, Governor of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Goh returns to Singapore on November 9.

—CNA/ac