Deep ties must carry through to next generation of leaders: PM

Washington, DC

THE fact that the United States invited Singapore to make an official visit is indicative of the good relations that the two countries enjoy, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday.

But more than that, the four-day visit this week - the first by a Singapore prime minister in 31 years - is also a reflection of the "emphasis and weight" that America places on Asia.

Mr Lee was giving his take on how other countries in the region and beyond would view Singapore's official visit, which included the first state dinner at the White House for a Southeast Asian leader under President Barack Obama's eight-year administration.

"It so happens that we are the ones invited, but it's not just because (the US is) friends with Singapore, but because Singapore is in the Asia-Pacific and America values the Asia-Pacific and all its friends there. I think that's how it should be seen, and that's how we in Singapore see it," he said.

He was speaking to the Singapore media at Blair House, a historic building located opposite the White House that is used to host guests of the US president.

Mr Lee's visit included an official arrival ceremony with a 19-gun salute at the White House, a state luncheon hosted by Vice-President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry, and a black-tie state dinner hosted by Mr Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Mr Lee also met several top US officials, among them Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew.

When asked to rate the success of his visit, the Singapore leader hailed it as a "plus" for the Lion City and a recognition of the good state of bilateral relations. Singapore and the US are celebrating a half-century of diplomatic relations in 2016.

"(It's) an indication that we would like this partnership to continue for many more years to come, in a region which has changed, which has a different strategic outlook, and yet with the US able to continue making a contribution and playing an indispensable role," said Mr Lee.

He went on to say that the success of the US-Singapore relationship over the past five decades depends on several things - shared values, shared interests, shared perspectives on the world, and on being outward-looking and engaging partners to ensure stability in the region.

This has worked for both sides for the past 50 years, and the next phase would be to widen and deepen the levels of cooperation even further.

During the visit, Singapore and the US released a joint statement announcing the advancement of their strategic partnership in areas such as cybersecurity, defence and "smart" cities. The two countries will also set up a scholarship to fund summer exchange programmes for 100 students.

"There are many good things going and we have to take it step by step, at the same time, to be able to sustain it into the next generation of leaders (in Singapore), which is one of the reasons why I've brought along some young MPs and ministers on this trip," said Mr Lee.

The Singapore delegation included Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Industry Minister S Iswaran and two key members of the fourth-generation leadership, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing and Acting Education Minister Ong Ye Kung.

Members of parliament Christopher de Souza and Rahayu Mahzam, along with Nominated MP Chia Yong Yong, were also part of the delegation.

Writing on his Facebook page, Mr Chan said he was glad to have had the opportunity to be part of the prime minister's delegation to celebrate and affirm the strong US-Singapore ties.

"This special relationship is built upon not just common strategic interests, but also shared values and ideals. It is sustained by constant efforts from both sides - people and institutions - to want to build a shared and better future together. It is also a work in constant progress," he said.

In his meeting with Singapore media, Mr Lee also spoke about his working relationship and friendship with Mr Obama, who was Illnois senator when they first met in 2007.

Mr Lee noted the US president's long-standing keen interest in Asia, having spent part of his childhood in Indonesia.

"He's familiar with the region, and he's quite determined that this is going to be a part of his legacy - a rebalance to Asia, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Mr Lee praised Mr Obama for his commitment and dedication to pursuing the TPP free-trade agreement each time the pact's 12 members gathered during the negotiation phase.

"Even here, in the middle of an election campaign, he's busy with his domestic issues and many other things, looking towards the end of his term, yet he's still pushing hard for the TPP, to complete the last few steps and get it ratified in the US ... I think it shows his determination and purpose, and we will do what we can to help," said Mr Lee.