For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 11, 2001
President Bush Meets with Prime Minister of Singapore
The President and the National Security Advisor met with Prime Minister
Goh Chok Tong of Singapore at the White House this morning to reaffirm
the importance and vitality of U.S.-Singapore relations. The
United States and Singapore have a robust defense partnership which
helps contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific
region. Economic ties are also strong. Singapore
is the first Asian country with which the United States is negotiating
a free trade agreement (FTA). The President and the Prime
Minister discussed the status of the U.S.-Singapore FTA negotiations
and agreed to review progress again when they meet at APEC this
October. Both sides remain committed to attaining a
world-class agreement that reinforces their strong commercial and
political ties as soon as possible.
President Bush and Prime Minister Goh discussed a range of regional
security issues. Both expressed strong support for
Indonesia's efforts to move toward a more democratic society and
market-oriented economy. They further reaffirmed support for
Indonesia's territorial integrity. The United States and
Singapore share the hope that Indonesia will achieve a peaceful,
constitutional and timely resolution to the current political crisis in
a way that promotes national reconciliation and effective governance.
The President and the Prime Minister expressed strong support for
ASEAN, as both a pillar of regional stability and an area of economic
vibrancy. The United States looks forward to strengthening
cooperation and reinvigorating the U.S.-ASEAN partnership.
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