1. Paris is a magnificent city with an air of grandeur. The main buildings and monuments are in good repair. Statues have been freshly re-gilt. At night, the city sparkles. The French have mastered the art and science of lighting up facades to accentuate their character and beauty. The Eiffel Tower is lit up whimsically like a Christmas tree. Nowadays, cities are dressed up for special occasions. This is something we should do for Singapore too.
2. PM's official visit to France has been a series of meetings and working meals. President Sarkozy had not been to Singapore before and responded positively to PM's invitation to visit us. He has a strong mandate with which he intends to reform the French economy. We had an interesting meeting with Jacques Attali on Tuesday morning. He heads a committee to recommend how the full potential of France can be unleashed. The report comes out on Wednesday which one senior official said he anticipated with trepidation. Reform is never easy. There are many rigidities holding back economic development. During PM's meeting with Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, the situation in Myanmar was discussed.
3. Despite economic difficulties, France is a world power. In the Chinese TV series on the 'Rise of World Powers', the intellectual contribution of France to world history was acknowledged. This is a country with a keen sense of civilization and one keenly aware of the rise of China and India. In all PM's meetings, both China and India were invariably discussed.
4. Singapore's relations with France are excellent. With over 700 French companies based in Singapore and a resident community of some thousands, we are an important outpost of France in Asia. With growing opportunities in Asia, the French presence in Singapore will grow along all dimensions including art and culture.
George Yeo
PM Lee with President Sarkozy
PM Lee and Minister Yeo with President Sarkozy
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