SINGAPORE - Singapore and Mongolia have supported each other in times of need, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Temasek Foundation donated test kits to Mongolia. The Mongolian government, in turn, gave gift bags to Singapore's front-line healthcare workers, which brought them much cheer and encouragement, he added.

PM Lee was speaking at an official lunch held in honour of Mongolia's Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, who is on a four-day visit to Singapore, at the Istana on Friday (July 8).

He said both countries share a common goal of promoting international trade, maintaining regional peace and stability, and upholding an open and inclusive rules-based multilateral system.

The two countries also complement each other's advantages, he added.

"For example, while Mongolia has vast natural resources, Singapore has good connectivity and offers a hub and gateway for Mongolia's exports into our region and beyond," he said.

Both also recognise the value of developing their human resources, he added.

Through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, Singapore has welcomed more than 1,600 Mongolian officials to exchange views and discuss their experience in finance, economic development, language and communication skills, and public administration. Mr Lee said he looks forward to more Mongolian officials taking part in the programme.

"We have a sound foundation on which to grow our relations," he said. "I am confident that our countries will continue to strengthen our collaboration as we move forward in a post-Covid-19 world."

Mr Oyun-Erdene is in Singapore for an official visit from Wednesday to Saturday at the invitation of PM Lee. This is his first visit to Singapore since becoming Mongolia's prime minister in January last year.

He is accompanied by several Mongolian ministers, members of Parliament and senior officials.

Speaking at the lunch, Mr Oyun-Erdene said that while Singapore and Mongolia celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations two years ago, historical ties and cooperation date back to more than 700 years ago between trade representatives.

"The relationship that started 700 years ago by our forefathers has developed rapidly," he said. "Today, Singapore has become Mongolia's reliable partner in South-east Asia, our fifth largest investor and the main trade partner in Asean."

Though geographically far apart, both are connected through shared values, mutual understanding and willingness to work together, he added.

For example, the reciprocal visa-free travel of citizens, agreed upon during PM Lee's visit to Mongolia in 2016, has given both countries a major push in areas like politics, economy and education.

Mongolia's long-term development policy "Vision-2050" outlines its vision to lead the region in development by 2050.

"Singapore's model of development implemented under the leadership of the first Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, provides inspiration, energy and experience for development for many countries around the world," Mr Oyun-Erdene added.

Earlier on Friday, he received a ceremonial welcome at the Istana and called on Acting President Eddie Teo, before meeting PM Lee.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press statement that Mr Teo and Mr Oyun-Erdene discussed how to promote closer collaboration between both countries and issues of mutual interest, such as in pension fund policies and public housing.

PM Lee and Mr Oyun-Erdene reaffirmed the friendly bilateral relations, and discussed areas of cooperation.

They also welcomed the signing of memoranda of understanding on Thursday between Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) and the Mongolian government in public housing and social security reform.

Mr Oyun-Erdene was presented with an orchid hybrid named the Papilionanda Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai at the National Orchid Garden on Friday.

The orchid is a beautiful symbol of the Singapore-Mongolia friendship, said PM Lee, just like the horse he was presented with during his visit to Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar in 2016. He named the horse Bintang Temasek, which means Star of Temasek in Malay.

PM Oyun-Erdene will depart Singapore on Saturday morning.