Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Grace Fu met with National People's Congress Vice Chairperson and All China Women's Federation President Shen Yueyue in Beijing on Monday afternoon, as part of a four-day visit to China.

Ms Fu, who is also Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Environment and Water Resources was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Low Yen Ling.

Ms Fu's visit, which will end on Wednesday, was at the invitation of Ms Shen.

She relayed to Ms Shen the Singapore Government's concern for the Chinese passengers on board Malaysian Airlines MH370 and their families. The two leaders discussed a variety of women's issues, including employment, childcare, healthcare, and elderly policies. They also touched on issues of mutual concern, such as preparing for an ageing population and tackling marriage and parenthood issues, and agreed that both sides can learn from each other.

Ms Fu also met Communist Party of China International Department Vice Minister Chen Fengxiang on Monday afternoon. Both of them reaffirmed relations between China and Singapore, and exchanged views on how both sides can further strengthen and broaden bilateral cooperation. Ms Fu and Mr Chen also exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Ms Fu and Ms Low also attended a dialogue with Singaporeans based in Beijing, where they discussed issues related to Budget 2014.