S'pore minister attended summit for Portuguese-speaking countries

Singapore's Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli was in Dili from July 22 to 24 to attend the 10th Summit of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), which was held on on July 23.

The summit focused on promoting the Portuguese language in the context of globalisation, exploring economic cooperation between the CPLP countries and Asia, as well as social programmes to address poverty.

Mr Masagos was invited to address the meeting. He commended the CPLP countries on their success and progress, and also highlighted the strengthening of Singapore-Timor-Leste friendship and cooperation.

During his visit, Mr Masagos called on Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste José Luis Guterres, as well as former President José Ramos-Horta and Leader of the Opposition Mari Alkatiri. Their talks focused on improving bilateral cooperation between Singapore and Timor-Leste.

Mr Masagos also had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau Domingos Simões Pereira. Mr Masagos responded positively to Mr Pereira's request for Singapore's assistance in human resource development.

Mr Masagos also welcomed Guinea-Bissau's participation in the Singapore Cooperation Programme as well as in the forthcoming Africa Singapore Business Forum in August 2014.

SMS Masagos also hosted a dinner to meet Singaporeans in Timor-Leste during the visit.

chenj@sph.com.sg