Chinese president meets with Singaporean Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew

SINGAPORE, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met here Wednesday with Singaporean Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and made a three-point proposal for enhancing bilateral ties.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew during their meeting in Singapore, on Nov. 11, 2009. Hu Jintao arrived here on Wednesday for a state visit and the Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.(Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Hu, who arrived here on Wednesday afternoon for a state visit to Singapore and for attending the Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), said the Sino-Singaporean ties have maintained a sound momentum of development and have broad prospects.

He said the development of the Suzhou Industrial Park has made great achievements and the Tianjin Eco-city project has also developed smoothly.

The effective implementation of the Sino-Singaporean Free Trade Agreement (FTA) marked that bilateral economic and trade cooperation has entered a "closer, more mature new stage," said the Chinese president, adding that bilateral cooperation has brought tangible benefits to both peoples.

Hu spoke highly of Lee's important contribution to the development of the bilateral ties.

As next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, both China and Singapore should take advantage of this opportunity to tap the potential and wisdom to open a brighter future for the bilateral friendly cooperative ties, said Hu.