Following their bilateral talks, President Gašparovič appreciated the hassle-free relations between the two countries. “I am very glad that the present visit has been a successful follow-up to my visit to Singapore in 2006 when we also talked about the possibilities to encourage bilateral economic and trade cooperation which has since successfully developed,” he said.

The Slovak President described Singapore as an inspiring country that may have a significant political and economic influence on global developments. According to Ivan Gašparovič, Slovakia has a strategic geographical location similar to that of Singapore. He also said he believed the free trade agreement between the EU and Singapore would facilitate even more intensive, mutually rewarding economic cooperation between our two countries. The Slovak head of state appreciated the preparations for a Slovak-Singaporean economic forum, and enhanced collaboration in science and research, reinforcement of university student exchange programmes, as well as cultural cooperation.

Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam congratulated Slovakia on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of its sovereignty and acknowledged the quality of bilateral relations between both countries. “Slovakia and Singapore are staunch advocates of free trade arrangements; therefore I wish to thank Slovakia for their support to the signing of the EU-Singapore free trade agreement,” the Singaporean President noted. The Singaporean guest also appreciated to have the possibility to visit Slovak academic institutions and meet Slovak people, adding “we very much liked what we saw and heard”.

Tony Tan Keng Yam sees strong prospects for enhanced cooperation in the tourism and travel industry. “Slovakia can use Singapore as a gateway to South East Asia while Singaporean businesses can use Slovakia as a point of entry to European markets. Slovakia is an extremely competitive economy, therefore we will be glad to make use of this advantage,” the Singaporean head of state observed. At the end of the meeting, President Tony Tan Keng Yam acknowledged the importance of events held to reciprocally present the economies of the two countries to their respective businesses, and invited Ivan Gašparovič to an official visit to Singapore.