FOR PRESS: P. M. No 61/ 1972
VISIT TO INDONESIA, SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA
BY THE PRIME M1INISTER OF AUSTRALIA, THE
RT. HON. WILLIAM MCMAHON, ( XH., M. P.
DEPARTURE STATEMENT SIfTGAPORE
I visited Singapore from 8 to 11 June, 1972 at the invitation
of the Singapore Government.
Substantive discussions were held with the Prime Minister,
The Minister for Defence, Dr. Goh Keng Swee, The Minister for
Foreign Affairs, Mr. S Rajaratnan, and The Minister for Finance,
Mr. Hon Sui Sen. The discussions, which took place in a cordial
frank and friendly atmosphere, revealed a close identity of views
on many issues, and contributed substantially to a deeper mutual
understanding of our respective positions and policies.
The subjects discussed covered a wide range of international,
regional and bilateral questions.
On the international plane, we discussed President Nixon's
visits to Peking and to Moscow and the consequent developments in
Asia. We also reviewed the situation in Indo-China and found that
our assessments were on very similar lines. We expressed the hope
that the pr: 2scnt tragic coiflict could be brought to an early end
and a just and peaceful settlement achieved.
I was given a comprehensive review of regional developments
including the progress mzade towards co-operation and solidarity
among the ASEAN countries. Australia welcomes these deve'opments
and wishes ASEAN countrieos furthrer success in their joint
endeavors. I was oleased to have confirmed to me the appreciation of the
helpful and stabilising role which Australia is playing in the
reqion. I feel that we are regarded as a reliable friend and
partner. on bilateral issues, we talked in depth about our relations.
They are in excellent shape.
We noted with satisfaction that our two-way trade is continuing to
expand and that mutually beneficial private investment is growing
with government encouragement and support.
Our defence co-operation with Singapore is on a sound footing.
We agreed that the Five Power Defence Arrangements are of value to
us both, are working smoothly and that no changes are necessary.
I also visited the Jurong Industrial Estate and Vocational
Institute. I was most impressed by what the Singapore authorities
have achieved at Jurong. The rapid and efficient development of
this industrial area bears eloquent witness to the vigour and
vitality of present day Singapore.
I wish to exp3ress my gratitude to the Prime P" inister both for
his generous hospitaity and friendly welcome, and for the fruitful
and productive exchanges which we have had. These exchanges have
confirmed my belief that we share a basically similar view of the
future of the region and the need for strengthening regional
co-operation. I believe my visit helped to contribute to this objective,
and to the strength of our relationship.
CANBERRA, 11 June, 1972.