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Israel, Singapore vow to step up all-round ties

Xinhua, April 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

Israel's and Singapore's prime ministers met Tuesday in Jerusalem, pledging to strengthen business ties.

Lee Hsien Loong arrived in Jerusalem on Monday for a four-day visit to Israel and Ramallah.

During a meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, "the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of cyber security, economy as well as increasing trade," according to a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

"Our countries are hubs of innovation," Netanyahu said.

"Innovation and technology are the key to the future. We are committed to the future with you, and we think we can accomplish a great deal more in addition to what we are already doing," he added.

Lee Hsien Loong echoed Netanyahu, praising Israel's hi-tech industry.

He added that Singapore is concerned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the lack of progress towards its resolution.

"We are friends with both Israel and Palestine," he said.

"We hope you'll resume negotiations and progress towards a just and durable solution to solve the long-standing and complex conflict, and we wish to see a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side peacefully and securely one day," he added.

An international aid bilateral cooperation agreement was signed on Monday.

According to the agreement, both countries will provide training in economic development, innovation, health and sustainable development to professionals from developing countries throughout the world.

"The training courses will take place in Singapore, Israel, or in a third country, and will be funded by both states," the agreement read.

The visit marks the first time a prime minister of Singapore has visited Israel since Singapore was founded 51 years ago and since establishing diplomatic ties with Israel in 1969.

Lee Hsien Loong is scheduled to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Wednesday, before returning to Jerusalem in order to meet Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. Endit