With pomp and pageantry, US President Barack Obama welcomed Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to the White House this morning (US time).
In their speeches in front of the stately building, both leaders acknowledged the close ties the two countries have enjoyed for decades.
Surprising the guests that congregated outside, with some waving mini Singapore flags, Mr Obama greeted Mr Lee with a “welcome” in the Singapore’s four official languages including Mandarin, Malay and Tamil – to loud cheers.
Known for his inclusive ways, the US President, who is serving the last few months of his final term, will host Prime Minister Lee to a state dinner at the White House later today after their bilateral talks.
In his speech, Mr Lee thanked his host and said the invitation was an honour for Singapore.
He also recalled how America has stayed engaged with Asia after Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew touched on the importance of America playing a strong role in the region during a turbulent period when he visited the United States in 1967.
AFP, The Straits Times, Reuters
The late Mr Lee Kuan Yew was guest-of-honour at four White House state dinners, under presidents Lyndon Johnson in 1967, Richard Nixon in 1973, Gerald Ford in 1975 and Ronald Reagan in 1985.
The latest diplomatic honour celebrates the strong ties between the two countries, said officials and political observers.
Mr Lee kicked off his official visit yesterday (Aug 1) with a meeting with the US Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew at Blair House. He also met US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter at the Pentagon.
Read also: State dinner a rare honour for PM Lee
chenj@sph.com.sg
