PM Lee Hsien Loong meets Dutch PM Mark Rutte at G-20 Summit

[HAMBURG] Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte during the Group of 20 (G-20) Leaders' Summit on Friday (July 7).

Both leaders reaffirmed excellent bilateral relations, and exchanged views on regional and international developments, said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

Mr Lee and Mr Rutte agreed to step up bilateral cooperation, including in cybersecurity.

They looked forward to the early ratification of the European Union-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA), which will benefit businesses on both sides, the statement said.

The EUSFTA had hit a roadblock in May when the European Court of Justice ruled it had to be ratified by the EU's 38 national and regional authorities to go into force.

Both leaders also reiterated their commitment and support for an open international trading system.

Mr Rutte had made an official visit to Singapore last November.

THE STRAITS TIMES