Mexico, S’pore reaffirm good bilateral relations

SINGAPORE: President of the United Mexican States, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa and Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam have reaffirmed good bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr Calderon is in Singapore on a two—day state visit.

On Monday, Mr Calderon was given a welcome ceremony at the Istana before he called on Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife.

Following that, Mr Calderon met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In the evening, Mr Calderon attended a state banquet hosted by Dr Tan, which was also attended by Mr Calderon’s Singaporean schoolmates when he was in Harvard University.

Mr Calderon noted that trade between Singapore and Mexico has increased more than 30 per cent in the last 10 years — mostly in the electronics and touring industry — but he said there is room for more growth.

Mr Calderon said that in a time marked by recession, the world needs more trade and not less, and the Trans Pacific Partnership, which both Singapore and Mexico are part of, would present an opportunity to build a more prosperous future.

Dr Tan agreed that there are strong incentives for both countries to engage each other and explore untapped opportunities against the backdrop of uncertain global growth.

Dr Tan noted that Mexico is now among Singapore’s top trading partners in Latin America, and Singapore’s total investment in Mexico amounted to S$1 billion as of 2010.

Mr Calderon said: "I’m convinced that Singapore and Mexico must move closer to each other and increase our bilateral exchanges for the benefit of all our peoples. We want more Singapore in Mexico and more Mexico in Singapore."

Dr Tan agreed, and said: "Although an ocean divides us, Your Excellency would always have friends in Singapore who hold you and your country in high esteem.

"I am confident that Mexico and Singapore will continue to work together to build bridges across the Pacific and I look forward to furthering the cooperation between our two countries."

—CNA/ac