Hu: China to offer pandas to Singapore

By Zhao Huanxin (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-12 00:27

SINGAPORE: China will offer a pair of pandas to Singapore to mark the 20th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations that falls in 2010, visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Wednesday.

“To further promote the friendship between the peoples of China and Singapore, China is ready to present a pair of pandas to Singapore for joint research,” Hu told Singaporean President Nathan.

It was not immediate available when the pandas would be sent to the city state. Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the country's zoo operator, reportedly said that they would be housed at Singapore's new River Safari.

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Hu also said cooperation in human resources had been a priority for the two sides, and having more exchange among the youth would contribute to the steady development of bilateral relations for the long haul.

Nathan said he believed President Hu’s trip would be a milestone in bilateral relations. It was the first time for a Chinese head of state to visit Singapore in 15 years.

Singapore congratulates China for its rapid economic growth despite the challenge of global financial crisis, Nathan said.

The Singaporean president held a grand ceremony to welcome Hu before their meeting Wednesday night.

Hu arrived in Singapore Wednesday evening after concluding his visit to Malaysia. He will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit over the weekend.