Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore avenues of cooperation in various sectors
PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong has went for an Official Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 17th to 22nd October 2023, at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud and UAE’s President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, respectively. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to participate in the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Riyadh, KSA, on 20th October 2023
During his stay in KSA from 17th to 20th October 2023, PM Lee will engage in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and convene meetings with other prominent Saudi leaders. The agenda will encompass a comprehensive briefing on KSA’s Vision 2030 and a reception in honour of overseas Singaporeans. In addition to the capital city Riyadh, PM Lee will explore the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Madinah and Al Ula.
ASEAN-GCC Council Summit
The inaugural ASEAN-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit to be held in Riyadh on 20th October 2033 promises an important platform for ASEAN and GCC Leaders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening ties and expanding collaboration into progressive domains such as green and digital economies. The GCC, which comprises Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, first established ties with ASEAN in 1990.
In the subsequent leg of his journey, Prime Minister Lee will go on to the UAE from 21st to 22nd October 2023. His itinerary includes meetings with President Sheikh Mohamed and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince HH Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Furthermore, a visit to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is scheduled, affording the Prime Minister a firsthand insight into the UAE’s ambitious energy transition plans. Alongside Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Lee will touch base in Dubai, engaging with Emirati leaders and gracing a reception held in honour of Overseas Singaporeans.
Accompanying the Prime Minister during his visit to KSA are Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing; Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health, and Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli; and Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng.
In the UAE, Prime Minister Lee will be joined by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Education Dr Mohamed Maliki Osman, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng; Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Amy Khor; and Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Senior Minister of State for Health Dr Janil Puthucheary.
During Prime Minister Lee’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will assume the role of Acting Prime Minister.
Source – MFA Singapore
