Singapore and China will deepen their cooperation on public health, including the development of Covid-19 vaccines and treatments, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Friday, July 31.

Thanked China for pledge to make Chinese vaccines available globally

In a Facebook post, Heng said he has spoken with Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng over the phone earlier during the day.

Han, 66, is one of the seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee, the top decision-making body in China.

Saying that "much has changed" since the two last spoke in February, Heng said both countries now face "the common challenge of resuming social and economic activities, while safeguarding against further waves of Covid-19 infections.

Heng also thanked Han for China's pledge to make Chinese vaccines available globally.

Both countries to further strengthen connectivity with each other

They both agreed that it was important to further strengthen connectivity between both countries, and with the rest of the world, in areas such as supply chain, financial, infrastructure and flight connectivity.

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), in a press release issued on Friday, July 31, said a stronger connectivity in these areas will ensure the flow of goods, people and investments to facilitate economy recovery.

MFA also said both leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between both countries as they mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, adding that Heng thanked Han for the latter's congratulations on the result of the Singapore General Election.

Bilateral projects continued despite the pandemic

Both leaders expressed appreciation for the mutual support and assistance between both countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, MFA said, noting that continued progress has been made in key bilateral projects despite the public health crisis.

Such projects include Government-to-Government and state-level projects, as well as cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

MFA further said Heng welcomed Han to visit Singapore for the meeting of the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) — the apex bilateral platform between both countries — when the Covid-19 situation permits.

China welcomes Singapore's continued participation in China's regional development strategies

The Chinese Embassy in Singapore highlighted the phone call between both leaders as well.

Han said cooperation in the fight against Covid-19 has become a "new highlight of bilateral relations", and that it sets a good example at both regional and international levels, the Embassy said in a Facebook post posted on Friday, July 31.

Han said both sides have helped ensure that supply chains of the two countries and the region remain stable.

He also said China welcomes Singapore's continued active participation in China's regional development strategies, so as to better achieve "common development".

Top image via Heng Swee Keat/Facebook