PM Lee receives honorary citizenship from Seoul

 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was awarded honorary Seoul citizenship by the city's mayor Park Won-soon on Thursday morning (Dec 11).

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr Lee said Seoul and Singapore share many similarities given that both are densely populated urban cities. As both face challenges on housing, transport and an ageing population, Mr Lee said he is happy that representatives from both governments frequently visit each other to exchange notes.

People-to-people ties between the two nations are growing rapidly, Mr Lee said, citing the popularity of K-pop and Korean drama serials in Singapore.

In 2015, Singapore and Korea will mark their 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and President Tony Tan Keng Yam will be making a state visit then. Mr Lee said he is confident both sides will continue to strengthen their friendship and cooperation.

During their first meeting, Mr Lee and Mr Park affirmed positive bilateral ties between Singapore and Korea. The mayor also took the opportunity to introduce Mr Lee to the latest developments in Seoul, while the Singapore Prime Minister invited the mayor to visit the city-state.

Following his meeting with the mayor, Mr Lee will be briefed on Seoul’s transport system.

Mr Lee received honorary citizenship from London earlier this year.