Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Mrs. Anna Hakobyan hosted an official dinner in honor of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Mrs. Ho Ching. The two heads of government reciprocated toasts during the dinner.

RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated in his remarks:
“Honorable Mr. Prime Minister,
Dear Mrs. Ching,
Singapore delegation members,
Members of government,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor for us to welcome you, Prime Minister, and your delegation to Armenia.

Your visit truly reflects the expansion of bilateral and multilateral relations and the friendly cooperation between our countries.

For us, for the Armenians, Singapore is, of course, a country to which we have very warm emotions. As has been noted many times, Armenians have historically close ties with Singapore. And during our visit to Singapore in July of this year, we ensured that your country pays exceptional attention to the Armenian heritage.

Mr. Prime Minister,
Dear Guests,

We are convinced that the agreements to be signed between the UEEA and Singapore on 1 October will be an effective tool for strengthening cooperation between our countries in the field of trade and the economy.

As you recently noted in your letter, "Armenia and Singapore are advocates of free trade in our regions". I fully share your point of view.

We aspire to bring multilateral structures closer to our region, improve interpersonal communication, the circulation of goods, the flow of services and capital to achieve universal prosperity and secure future generations.

In closing my speech, I would like to emphasize that your visit takes place in an interesting coincidence during this exceptional period of the year. In our country, it is called “golden autumn.”

I hope that our “golden autumn,” synthesized with the warmth and vitality of the Armenian people, will adorn your days in Armenia, leaving you with unforgettable memories and beautiful impressions. Of course, I also want you to enjoy our traditional Armenian hospitality and our national cuisine. Thank you.”

Singapore Premier Lee Hsien Loong stated:
“Dear Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan,
Dear Mrs. Anna Hakobyan,
Dear guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his invitation to visit Armenia and for the warm hospitality shown to my delegation. I am happy to be in this wonderful country, which hosts on of the oldest civilizations in the world.

My father visited Yerevan ten years ago. Back, he told me about the beauty of your country and the generosity of your people. He also appreciated the warm hospitality he received. This visit was a milestone in our bilateral relations. The photo of his meeting with the Armenian patriarch is still hanging on the wall of the Armenian Church in Singapore. I am very happy to be able to visit Armenia and bring our relations to a new level.

Armenia has a lot to offer. First of all, you have skilled and educated workforce. Your professionals are involved in many universities and businesses around the world. In addition, you are a nation of innovators, in particular, the Armenians have created the MRI apparatus and ATMs.

Today you have a progressive government led by Mr. Pashinyan that wants to improve the lives of citizens, including through foreign investment. The Armenian government also proposes constructive approaches to international relations.

Armenia is also blessed with natural beauty and minerals. You are the oldest winemaker in the world and produce one of the best wines in the world. I just tasted champagne and I look forward to tasting to new wines at lunch.

As you may know, Singapore is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. Two hundred years ago, an Englishman landed in Singapore and founded a free port in Singapore. I am pleased to note that the Armenian community of Singapore is one of the oldest in our country. The Armenians have left their imprint in all parts of my country: Khatchik Movses, our fellow countryman of Armenian origin, published the first English-language daily of Singapore in 1845.

The most beautiful Christian church in Singapore is the Armenian Church. It was built 184 years ago, which is not so old by Armenian standards, especially when compared to St. Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the oldest Christian church in the world, where I intend to go tomorrow.

Armenia and Singapore have many similarities: both are small states that have to struggle to survive in competitive conditions. Our two countries recognize the importance of multilateralism and we advocate free trade. We welcomed the free trade and services agreement between the EAEU and Singapore, as well as the agreement on mutual services and investment between Singapore and Armenia, which is going to be signed the day after tomorrow, on October1.

I highly appreciate Armenia’s continued efforts to make these agreements a reality, and I must note that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has made a considerable personal contribution to the issue. The aforementioned new arrangement between Armenia and Singapore complements the agreement signed in July in Singapore, which covered tourism, education and culture.

I am confident that the above agreements will pave the way for closer ties between our two peoples, the business communities and the economies.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Mrs. Anna Hakobyan and the Armenian people health and success, as well as the close cooperation and strong relations between Armenia and Singapore, and finally, I wish to see the successful implementation of the aforementioned agreements. Thank you.”