The Prime Minister of France, His Excellency Jean-Marc Ayrault will make an official visit to Singapore from
October 18-19 at the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Prime Minister Ayrault will be
accompanied by his wife Mrs Brigitte Ayrault and other officials such as Foreign Trade minister Mrs Nicole Bricq,
Minister Delegate for French Nationals Abroad Mrs H¨¦l¨¨ne Conway-Mouret, members of the French parliament,
senior officials and a business delegation.
An official welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Ayrault and Mrs Ayrault will be held at the Istana on October 18.
Following the welcome ceremony, PM Ayrault will make a courtesy call on President Tony Tan, and meet with
PM Lee to sign the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Singapore and France.
The declaration will highlight the close relationship between the two countries, and their roles in promoting
closer Asia-Europe engagement. During his time here, Prime Minister Ayrault will deliver a public lecture on
"France, Europe and Asia:New Perspectives and Opportunities" at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
He is also scheduled to meet about 70 business representatives from France and Singapore at the
French-Singaporean Business Meeting.
The discussion will focus on the development of the economic relations between France and Singapore.
The French prime minister and his wife will also host a reception for the French community in Singapore.
An orchid hybrid will be named after Mrs Ayrault during her visit to the National Orchid Garden.
ljessica@sph.com.sg
