Singapore's ties with Tibet to grow with improved connectivity

And fresh off the oven, Singapore-Tibet ties.

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Singapore's ties with Tibet to grow with improved connectivity
Channel News Asia 23 August 2009

SINGAPORE: Singapore's relations with Tibet are expected to grow with improved connectivity.

Noting that Singapore's ties with China are excellent, Foreign Minister George Yeo who is in Lhasa, said on Saturday that he hoped there would be direct flights between Singapore and the Tibetan city one day.

Mr Yeo met Executive Vice Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region Government, Mr Hao Peng, who has asked for Singapore's help and involvement in urban management and in developing Tibet's tourism industry.

Briefing Mr Yeo on the political, economic and cultural situation in Tibet, Mr Hao noted that Tibet has made enormous progress in the last fifty years and the main priorities are now on economic development, as well as environmental and cultural protection.

On economic development, he added that Tibet's infrastructure is improving dramatically and two more airports would be opened in addition to the existing three.

The Singapore delegation was also briefed on ethnic relations in Tibet, specifically the March 14 riots last year.

Mr Yeo added that he understood the challenges of ethnic diversity in Tibet. What is important, however, is for the problems to be managed well, taking into account ethnic sensitivities.