PM meets Singapore leader, Israeli prez

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met senior Singapore leader Goh Chok Tong and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin here on Sunday.

“Singapore appreciates India’s gestures. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh thanks PM (Modi),” the Indian external affairs ministry tweeted. Goh was Singapore’s prime minister after Lee Kuan Yew for 14 years from 1990. Modi is among the world leaders gathered here for Lee’s funeral. He is set to make an official visit to Singapore later this year. “Apart from conveying condolences, they discussed the prospects that in tune with the vision of late Lee, India and Singapore can work together further,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syen Akbaruddin told reporters.

“Prime Minster Modi said two of his own projects, namely the public housing and Swatch Bharat projects, were inspired by Lee Kuan Yew’s own efforts in Singapore,” Akbaruddin said, adding that PM wished that India and Singapore can cooperate on these projects.

Modi also met Israali President Rivlin of Israel who reiterated an invitation to him to visit Israel. There is an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Modi to visit Israel. But the exact dates and formality on this regard will be decided through diplomatic channels, said External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syen Akbaruddin.

The two leaders discussed the healthy state of bilateral relation and how to take it forward, he told reporters. They also discussed the situation in West Asia, official sources said.

Prime Minister Modi had congratulated his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on his re-election recently.

“Congratulations my friend Bibi @netanyahu! Recall our New York meeting last September warmly,” Modi had tweeted in Hebrew language.
Netanyahu secured a stunning win against all odds in Israel’s closely-fought general elections. Modi also exchanged notes with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, former US president Bill Clinton, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Canadian Governor-General David Johnston.

Emir of Qatar last week visited India and held extensive talks with Modi covering entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues after which the two sides signed six agreements.