Deputy State Secretary for Global Affairs Péter Wintermantel paid a visit to Singapore on 22-23 October. The aim of the trip was to prepare for the visit of the President of Singapore to Hungary in November.

Mr Wintermantel also delivered a welcoming speech at the Hungarian National Day reception on 23 October. The Guest of Honour representing the Government of Singapore at the event was Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower.

In Singapore, the Deputy State Secretary held discussions with Mr Goh Kian Swee, Director-General for Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr Lee Ark Boon, Deputy Secretary (Trade) of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Singapore is Hungary’s most important trade and investment partner in Southeast Asia. The trade volume between the two countries totalled nearly USD 1 billion in 2012. Accordingly, the primary objective of the upcoming presidential visit will be the strengthening of economic ties and the extension of this cooperation to new areas. Science and technology is another promising area for closer bilateral relations.

During the meetings, the parties agreed that the recent initialling of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Singapore is also a very positive development for the future enhancement of bilateral cooperation between Hungary and Singapore.

Péter Wintermantel reaffirmed that Hungary is offering 30 scholarships to students from Singapore to pursue their studies at Hungarian higher education institutions within the framework of the Stipendium Hungaricum scheme. The competent ministries of the two countries are currently discussing the details of this cooperation.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)