China, Singapore agree to lift ties, upgrade FTA

President Xi Jinping (R, front) meets with his Singaporean counterpart Tony Tan Keng Yam in Singapore, Nov 6, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Highlights of President Xi's state visit to Singapore

1. Timing of visit

The visit, the first to Singapore since Xi became president in 2013, is also the first state visit hosted by Singapore since its Sept 11 election.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of China-Singapore diplomatic ties, as well as the Republic of Singapore's golden jubilee.

2. Agreements

China and Singapore will sign a number of agreements and announce the third government-to-government project (the two others are in Suzhou and Tianjin). The new project will be located in western China.

3. Cultural atmosphere

Xi and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will inaugurate a China Cultural Center in Singapore. Xi attended the groundbreaking for the center in 2010 as China's vice-president.

An orchid, Singapore's national flower, will be named after Xi and his wife.