Toast Speech by President S R Nathan at the State Banquet held in honour of Czech President Václav Klaus and Mrs Livia Klausová

Your Excellency President Václav Klaus
Mrs Livia Klausová
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

1   It is with much pleasure that my wife and I extend a warm welcome to President Václav Klaus, Mrs Livia Klausová, and their distinguished delegation to Singapore.

2   President Klaus is no stranger to Singapore, having visited us in the past when he was Prime Minister and Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament. He has also met with Singapore leaders when they visited Prague. I myself had the privilege of having lunch with President Klaus when I visited the Czech Republic last year. We are happy and honoured that President Klaus has taken a keen personal interest in developing close ties with Singapore. Your Excellency, your visit underscores the importance which you attach to our growing relationship.

3   The level of bilateral trade between Singapore and the Czech Republic has increased steadily in recent years. Much more can be done. I encourage Czech and Singaporean companies to look into opportunities for investing in each others’ countries and explore possible mutually-beneficial avenues of cooperation with partner companies. In this regard, I am happy to see that Your Excellency has brought an important business delegation with you on this State Visit.  I wish the Czech companies represented in this delegation every success in networking and finding partners with various Singaporean companies during this State Visit by President Klaus.

4   Singapore is strategically placed in the middle of Southeast Asia, which is home to a market of 500 million people. We  are  also  located  between  the  two  emerging  economic  powerhouses  of  India and China.  We offer a good location for Czech companies seeking to tap the new opportunities in Asia. I would like to assure you, Mr President, that Singapore is happy to share our knowledge and experiences of doing business in this region as well as speak of the opportunities that exist for Czech companies to take advantage of.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

5   May I now invite you to join me in a toast to:

• the continued good health and happiness of President Václav Klaus and Mrs Livia Klausová,
• to the continued peace and prosperity of the people of the Czech Republic, and
• to closer relations between the Czech Republic and Singapore.