Hun Xen visits Jurong Island

Hun Xen's left eye looks kind of funny?
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen (front) inspects an honour guard as Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong walks behind him at the Istana in Singapore. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

Jul 27, 2010
By Janice Heng
The Straits Times (Singapore)

CAMBODIAN Prime Minister Hun Sen wrapped up his official visit to Singapore with a visit to Jurong Island on Tuesday morning.

He was also hosted to a golf game and lunch by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

This is Mr Hun Sen's first official visit to Singapore since 2000. On Monday, the Cambodian leader called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana.

Both men reaffirmed their countries' close ties and agreed that both sides could explore new areas of cooperation, including tourism.

Mr Hun Sen also called on President SR Nathan and Mrs Nathan, visited the Marina Barrage, and attended a dinner hosted in his honour by PM Lee and his wife Ho Ching.

The official visit, which focused on economic ties, also saw Mr Hun Sen attending a luncheon hosted by Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang on Monday.

Addressing Singaporean businessmen at the event, Mr Hun Sen said Cambodia was eager to welcome investors from the Republic, and highlighted his government's efforts to encourage foreign investment.

Singapore's investments in Cambodia last year were US$278 million (S$378 million), an eight-fold increase from the year before.