PRIM~ E MINISTER'S TOUR OF SOUTH-EAST ASI
Statement issued by the Prime Minister. Mr.
Harr' 4d Holt. on arrival in Sing~ apore 29TH APRIL, 1966
As I explained when I passed through Singapore last
week, my visit here is part of a comprehensive tou~ r to the countries
of South-East Asia where Australian Forces are station,, d Viet Nam,
Thailand, Yeayalsia, and Singapore.
Australia, as a fellow member of the Commonwealth, has
been followin, with interest the developments here since Singapore
became an independent member. This is the first occasion on which
the Prixae Minister of Australia has officially visited Singapore
since it assumed its new status.
The Singapore 31overnment has recently announced that it
will send a senior official as High Commissioner to Canberra. It
is gratifying that Canberra should be included in the initial
overseas appointments made by the Singapore Jovernment. This is a
recognition of the friendship and the many mutual interests between
our two countries in defence and security and in economic and other
affairs. Australia, of course, has maintained a substantial official
representation in Singapore for many years.
I look forward to discussions with Sigapore Ministers.
As was done in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, I expect to give them an
account of my visit to Viet Nam. There will also be exchanges of
views on the various regional questions of concern to both
Governments. Australia has observed with close attention the
systematic and constructive efforts of Singapore to develop its
economy and to create new employment opportunities through
industrialisation and expanding trade. This requires peace,
stability and assured security. If these conditions exist, sound
forward planning and the efficient and rational use of resources
can be accomplished. Through the combined arrangements in -the defence field,
Australia is able to add its efforts to those of other Commonwealth
countries to preserve the conditions of security and stability.
Australia and Singapore enjoy positive benefits as
good neighbours.
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Increasingly useful relationships are growing in trade
and business, in education and in professional and technical
training. Cqntacts between our two people in these and other
fields, such as tourism, are multiplying with the development of
rapid communications. Australia is a country with an expanding Industrial
base and an increasing technology.
Further areas ) f co-operation will undoubtedly arise
between our two countries as Sing apore develops along similar
paths.