Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko (Photo: PMO).

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko made an official visit to Singapore from 12th to 14th January 2020. During his visit he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Both leaders welcomed the strengthening of bilateral ties between Singapore and Ukraine, and had a wide-ranging discussion on regional and international developments.

Ministers for Foreign Affairs: Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore and Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine. (Photo: MFA)

Minister Prystaiko was also hosted to breakfast by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan where they reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral ties between both nations, and discussed ways to strengthen and broaden relations. They also exchanged views on developments in Asia and Europe.

The Ukranian Foreign Minister also met with Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Dr Koh Poh Koon to discuss economic collaboration. They witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and the Ukraine Council of Exporters and Investors to promote strategic business alliance, as well as a MOU between the Science Centre Board (SCB) and the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (JASU) to facilitate cooperation in the implementation of best practices for the development of science and educational infrastructure. SMS Koh and Minister Prystaiko welcomed the signing of both MOUs, which will pave the way for closer bilateral cooperation. Minister Prystaiko was also hosted to lunch by Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam before departing Singapore.

While in Singapore, Foreign Minister Prystaiko also held a regional conference with Ukrainian heads of foreign diplomatic missions of the countries of Southeast Asia. He also spoke to political analysts and experts at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS-Asia).

SMS Koh and Minister Prystaiko witnessed the signing of a MOU between the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and the Ukraine Council of Exporters and Investors, as well as a MOU between the Science Centre Board (SCB) and the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (JASU).