Russia willing to fund S’poreans for higher education in Russian universities

SINGAPORE: Russia said it is willing to fund a number of Singaporeans for higher education in Russian universities.

Making the point at the third meeting of the Russia—Singapore Inter—Governmental Commission was Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Igor Shulakov, and his delegation.

The meeting was jointly co—chaired with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

A joint statement issued by both the Singapore and Russian co—chairs said Singapore has expressed support for the initiative and agreed to encourage Singaporean students to take up the opportunity.

Russia also informed Singapore about its new programme Global Education in which Russian students and faculty members pursue Masters and PhD programs in the world’s best universities, including those based in Singapore.

Both countries agreed to explore the possibility of cooperation for the successful implementation of this programme.

Turning to bilateral ties, both Russia and Singapore reaffirmed the excellent and long—standing relations which have grown stronger and become more multi—faceted in recent years.

Russia and Singapore share many common interests and cooperate well in various fields and platforms and work closely at regional forums, including the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which Russia had hosted this year, the East Asia Summit and the Asia—Europe Meeting.

Both Deputy Prime Ministers and their delegations expressed confidence that Russia and Singapore will continue to deepen bilateral cooperation, to facilitate closer links and bring about greater cooperation across diverse fields for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples. Third Session of the

The fourth session of the high—level Russia—Singapore Inter—Governmental Commission will be held in Russia next year.

— CNA/ck