Speech by President Halimah Yacob at State Banquet of Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow

Your Excellency Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow, President of Turkmenistan,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to once again extend a warm welcome to Your Excellency and your distinguished delegation to Singapore. Since diplomatic ties between our two countries were established 23 years ago, relations have been friendly and problem-free.

Your Excellency’s visit is a historic milestone and sets many “firsts”. This is the first State Visit by the President of Turkmenistan to Singapore. The inaugural Singapore-Turkmenistan Business Forum was successfully held yesterday. We have also witnessed a number of government and commercial Memoranda of Understanding and agreements formalised in conjunction with the visit.

Singapore and Turkmenistan share many similarities despite the geographical distance. Both are young nations facing many common challenges. Our two countries are focused on economic development and in building up our human capital.

The two countries have of course notable differences. Turkmenistan has vast energy resources, a long history and rich culture. You have a significant cotton and textile sector, and make excellent hand-woven carpets. Your country is also renowned for its fine horses, notably those from the Akhal-teke breed which are known for their speed and endurance. I understand that Your Excellency has written extensively and is an expert on this subject.

On the other hand, Singapore is an island state dependent on an open global economy to survive. Singapore relies heavily on the services sector and technology to develop our economy given our resource constraints. We are also a multi-racial and multi-religious society where the different communities co-exist harmoniously with one another. In a few weeks’ time, the Chinese community will be celebrating the Lantern Festival, where a traditional pastry known as mooncakes are enjoyed by all races in Singapore. We have made arrangements for these to be served later this evening, and I hope Your Excellency and all guests will enjoy this special halal dessert.

Notwithstanding our unique developmental experiences and the differences in the make-up of our societies, I am certain that Your Excellency would agree that we should continue to look at how our two countries could do more together. Over time, this can help bring not just our two countries but our two regions closer together.

In this regard, let me suggest three areas of cooperation. First, tourism. Turkmenistan has immense potential to attract more visitors to your modern white marble capital Ashgabat and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the famed Silk Road city Ancient Merv. These are attractions that would interest Singaporeans. Second, business. It is important to see the commercial agreements signed yesterday implemented. Success stories would help to generate more interest in our respective markets and more business interactions. Third, capacity building. As I had told Your Excellency earlier, Singapore stands ready to share our developmental model with Turkmenistan in relevant areas. We hope to welcome more Turkmen officials to Singapore to exchange experiences and deepen mutual understanding.

In conclusion, the State Visit has opened a new chapter in Singapore-Turkmenistan relations. I look forward to working together with Your Excellency for mutual benefit.

Your Excellency, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen

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

The good health and happiness of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow of Turkmenistan, and the enduring friendship between Singapore and Turkmenistan.