Singapore inked air services pact with Timor-Leste

It'll improve bilateral trade.

According to a release, the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Security of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, began his official visit to Singapore last 3 June.

Prime Minister Gusmão was officially welcomed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a ceremony at the Istana this evening. Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Gusmão called on Prime Minister Lee, who also hosted him to an official dinner.

The Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the Air Services Agreement (ASA) by Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu and Timor-Leste Minister of Transport and Communications Pedro Lay da Silva.

The ASA will facilitate the continued growth of air services between Singapore and Timor-Leste, supporting greater bilateral trade, investment and people flows.

Both Prime Ministers also reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Singapore. The Prime Ministers welcomed the increasing interest among Singapore companies to explore business opportunities in Timor-Leste, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

They also discussed domestic developments in Timor-Leste as well as regional matters including Timor-Leste’s application for ASEAN membership and the ongoing ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) process. In this respect, Prime Minister Lee reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to the ACCWG process, as well as our continued assistance in capacity building for Timor-Leste.