Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, in his introductory visit to Ankara, met his counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu and discussed areas to further develop economic and civil aviation cooperation yesterday.

During breakfast hosted by Mr Cavusoglu, the ministers agreed to increase efforts to broaden bilateral cooperation, including in the areas of security, third country training, education and cultural cooperation.

The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement yesterday that both ministers looked forward to the ratification of the Turkey-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which would create more trade and investment opportunities and boost bilateral ties.

Earlier on Wednesday, Dr Balakrishnan called on Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and reaffirmed the warm and friendly relations between the nations, and their commitment to develop an even stronger partnership.

After Ankara, Dr Balakrishnan will end his two-day visit in Antalya where he will view National Parks Board's "City in a Garden" exhibition at Expo 2016 Antalya, meet its mayor, Mr Menderes Turel, and attend a dinner hosted by the governor, Mr Munir Karaloglu.