SPEECH FOR AMBASSADOR PREMJITH S. FOR THE PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS CEREMONY IN TRIPOLI, LIBYA, 4 DECEMBER 2013

President of the General National Congress of the State of Libya His Excellency Nuri Ali Abu Sahmain,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure and honour for me to present my credentials here today as the Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the State of Libya.  I would like to take this opportunity to convey the best wishes of the President of the Republic of Singapore Dr. Tony Tan to the government and the people of the State of Libya.

Singapore and Libya established formal diplomatic ties in March 2006 and the relationship grew quickly through the exchange of high-level visits and the signing of bilateral agreements such as the Investment Guarantee Agreement and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.  The establishment of the Libya-Singapore Joint Committee (LSJC) in 2008 created a new platform for enhanced bilateral economic cooperation in areas such as water infrastructure projects, port development, and capacity building. 

Since 2011, Libya has been undergoing a difficult but important transition. In my last three days in Tripoli, I have been mesmerised by the warmth, hospitality, generosity and resilience of the people of Libya.  They are optimistic that the ongoing transition will lead to security, stability and prosperity. As a friend of Libya, Singapore hopes that the transition will produce a governing agenda that truly reflects the aspirations and hopes of all people in Libya. Singapore remains committed to support Libya’s development through sharing our experiences and technical assistance training.  Singapore was happy to have hosted a study visit by the Libyan National Economic Development Board from 29 August to 4 September 2013.  As human resource development is a key priority for Libya, we will make this a key plank of our bilateral cooperation between Singapore and Libya. 

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I conclude by wishing the interim government success in its implementation of the transitional roadmap, and a bright future for the people of Libya. As the Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the State of Libya, I will do my utmost to further bilateral ties in the best interests of our nations.

Thank you.