Sunday, November 26, 2006
U.S. President George W. Bush arrived in Singapore the morning of November 16, beginning a week-long tour of Asia. He was greeted by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng and discussed trade and terrorism issues with the Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
After a week of losses in the midterm election, Bush told an audience about the expansion of trade in Asia.
Mr. Bush also delivered his keynote address at the National University of Singapore’s Cultural Center; the US’ commitment to security and free trade in the region were the most emphasised topics. Among other subjects, he spoke on:
- Regional security including the threat of terrorism and ongoing nuclear crisis in North Korea.
- US continued engagement in Asia to confront security threats including N. Korea’s nuclear ambitions and terrorism and address these challenges at global level
- Free trade and trade expansion most certain path to Asian prosperity to lasting prosperity
- Reviving the doha trade talks
- An Asia Pacific-wide free trade area
Bush also called for US-Asian co-operation to fight with infectious diseases such as HIV-AIDS and avian flu.
Mr. Bush will be heading to Hanoi to for a state visit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.