PM Lee calls on Europe to take strategic views over Asian ties

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Tuesday January 22, 11:17 AM

PM Lee calls on Europe to take strategic views over Asian ties
PARIS : Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has called on France and other European countries to take a strategic view of their relationship with Asia.
He said they need to look beyond economics and take a stake in Asia's developments instead.
Mr Lee was speaking to Singapore reporters after he met French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris on the first of his three-day visit.
Arriving in Elysee Palace, French President Nicolas Sarkozy greeted Prime Minister Lee at the entrance.
The two later had a broad discussion lasting about half an hour on issues like economic, security and cultural cooperation.
Mr Lee said bilateral relations between Singapore and France are good and he called on France to increase its role in Southeast Asia and Asia, through Singapore.

He said: "Asia is growing and they should be part of this process and have an influence and participate in it. And so in that context, Singapore can play a role because we are strategically located. We are in the middle of ASEAN and Southeast Asia. We're linked up with China and India and if you grow your relationship with us, then you can use us to widen your influence and your ties with the whole of Southeast Asia, and whole of Asia."
Mr Lee cited one example on how France can take the lead in having a greater stake in Asia.
He said France was the first European country to sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, or TAC, with ASEAN.
That treaty commits the ASEAN countries to co-exist peacefully and France endorsed that treaty last year at the ASEAN meeting in Cebu, Philippines.
This shows France's interest in Southeast Asia.
Mr Lee said "because they did that, other European countries are now wanting also to participate and to sign the TAC".
Meeting Mr Sarkozy for the first time since he became the French President in May last year, Mr Lee said Mr Sarkozy is pre-occupied with France and Europe right now.
Mr Lee said: "He's got a very full plate. But he's just been to China, he's about to go to India. He wants to learn more about the region, about the countries, what the political situation is, what the problems are. I think that's good and we would like to encourage that."
On further cooperation with Singapore, Mr Lee said they discussed the possibility of having a cultural agreement.
Such an agreement would enable the museums from Singapore and France to exchange exhibits.
One example is how the National Museum is now showcasing an exhibition from the famous Louvre Museum.
Mr Lee said "We discussed the possibility of the two countries having an agreement on culture cooperation which would enable us to have material from French museums brought to Singapore, like this from time to time, every couple of years or so and exhibit in Singapore and maybe some of the things in our museum, we can bring to France from time to time too. Although of course, we have much less."
Mr Lee who met Mr Sarkozy inside the Elysee Palace here earlier said the French President was also interested in how Singapore has developed over all these years.
So Mr Lee invited Mr Sarkozy to visit Singapore to see for himself.
Mr Lee also encouraged Mr Sarkozy to make a statement on France's role in Southeast Asia, when in Singapore.
Mr Sarkozy has accepted the invitation, although no date of his visit has been fixed.
Earlier, Mr Lee also met France's Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner.
The two held a long discussion, including the situation in Myanmar.
Mr Lee said: "I said this is a long term problem. You know ASEAN's position. We are supporting Mr Gambari's mission. It is still going on, it's not going to be easy but that's the best bet. And he has an NGO background, so he has a personal interest in this subject. I think he would like to do something helpful. The question is what?"
Another meeting Mr Lee had was with his counterpart, Prime Minister Francois Fillon.
The two had a fruitful exchange of views on international and regional issues.
These included developments in Asia and Europe, the global economy and the fight against terrorism.
Mr Fillon also affirmed the importance of Asia-Europe relations, saying that France would play its part in strengthening these ties.
In addition, Mr Fillon updated Mr Lee on the progress of reform measures undertaken by the French government.
The two leaders also reviewed the broad spectrum of cooperation between Singapore and France.
Both agreed that further cooperation in areas like defence and economic can be enhanced.
Mr Lee reiterated his invitation for Mr Fillon to visit Singapore and the French Prime Minister has accepted it. - CNA/ch