South Korean president Moon Jae-in arrived in Singapore on July 12 night for his three-day state visit.

Moon is the first South Korean president in 15 years to have made a state visit to Singapore.

President Halimah Yacob received Moon in the welcoming ceremony at Istana in the morning.

She will also be hosting a state banquet in honour of Moon tonight.

Accompanied by a business delegation, Moon discussed bilateral trade between South Korea and to promote his New Southern Policy.

Moon also discussed the issues of regional security and North Korea he was meeting Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong this afternoon.

Moon on North Korea

In an interview with The Straits Times, Moon expressed "heartfelt appreciation" to the Singapore government for its "excellent support" for the Trump-Kim summit last month.

"I was deeply impressed by the devotion and the sense of responsibility they showed in the process," he told ST.

North Korea and the United States trusted Singapore and such strength is "of great help" to fully denuclearise the Korean Peninsula, said Moon.

Focus on trade

Despite interest in North Korea, Moon's trip is mainly focused on trade.

The governments of Singapore and South Korea met this morning to discuss trade and signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) to promote closer economic ties. The MOU focuses on new technologies like biotech, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

South Korea is Singapore's sixth largest trading partner. Trade between the two countries is about US$20 billion (S$27 billion).

"Korean businesses equipped with world-class technology and experience have so far participated in building landmarks in Singapore," says Moon in joint press conference at the Istana.

"I look forward to their continued contributions in infrastructure construction as well, which is now prioritized by Singapore, including transportation."

Sightseeing at Botanic Gardens

After exchanging the memoranda, Moon and First Lady Kim Jung-sook visited the Botanic Gardens. They were accompanied by PM Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching.

An orchid was named "Papilionanda Moon Jae-in and Kim Jung-sook" after the couple.

Papilionanda Moon Jae-in and Kim Jung-sook: An orchid was named in honor of President Moon (@moonriver365) and First Lady Kim’s visit to the #NationalOrchidGarden of Singapore today! pic.twitter.com/5DIO26zEmY

— The Office of President Moon Jae-in (@TheBlueHouseENG) July 12, 2018

Moon will be giving a lecture titled "ROK and ASEAN: Partners for Achieving

Peace and Co-prosperity in East Asia" at Orchard Hotel on Friday. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean will be giving the opening address and chairing the lecture.

He will fly back to South Korea the same day.

Moon invited PM Lee this morning to visit South Korea, an invitation which Lee accepted.

Top image by The Office of President Moon Jae-in