Singapore, Nov 19(ANI): India places the highest priority on its relations with Singapore and looks forward to working closely to evolve an even more ambitious roadmap for the future, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said today.
"Ours is a partnership that stands on the foundation of shared values of pluralism, secularism and democracy, and convergence of our perspectives on regional and international issues," Dr. Singh said in a speech at lunch hosted by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
"It was the opening of our relations with Singapore which led to a strategic shift in India's foreign and economic polices and which today have evolved into our 'Look East' policy. Singapore opened new horizons for India," he added.
He also said that Singapore's rapid transformation and economic growth model is a beacon of hope in today's 'uncertain world'.
"You serve as an example not only for Asia but for the world at large. Your investments in human resources, education and infrastructure are examples worthy of emulation," Dr. Singh said.
"Singapore has emerged as a valued partner for our ambitious plans for infrastructure development. It is India's largest trade and investment partner in ASEAN. We welcome greater investment and technology flows from Singapore," he added.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the people to people exchanges, tourism and the revolution in connectivity has brought both the countries closer to each other than they have ever been.
"Today, eleven Indian cities are directly connected by air to Singapore. I am greatly encouraged to see the linkages being established between our museums and universities. Singapore's consistent support to the Nalanda University Project is a matter of great encouragement for us. I would also like to thank you for the warm welcome that has been given to thousands of Indians working and studying in Singapore," he said.
"Our relations also encompass political, security and defence cooperation. We value our engagement with Singapore in these areas," he added. (ANI)
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