Minister Mentor Lee turns 86, in London
LONDON: Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has been
celebrating his 86th birthday in London where he is on an official
visit.
Mr Lee, who turned 86 on September 16, has held talks with
top-level British politicians including Foreign Secretary David
Miliband and other governing Labour Party figures.
He also met leaders of the opposition Conservative Party, which
looks set for an upcoming general election victory in
Britain.
Giving Mr Lee a warm welcome at the Foreign Office, Mr Miliband
said: "One of our biggest interests is to work closely with
Singapore. What for?
For economy, culture, education, climate - we've got a lot to do
together,"
Mr Lee also met Business Secretary Lord Mandelson to discuss the
economic crisis and signs of recovery in the global economy.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Jack Straw, hosting a lunch
for Mr Lee, paid tribute to the minister mentor's continued energy
despite his age. "I'd like to know what tablets you are on,"
remarked Mr Straw.
Mr Lee also met the man whom polls say will be the next British
prime minister - Conservative Party leader David Cameron.
There will be a general election in the UK by early summer next
year, and Mr Cameron said his Conservatives could learn something
from the success of Mr Lee's People's Action Party.
But Mr Lee told Mr Cameron "it's yours to lose", before the two
moved onto talking about the difficult times ahead as Singapore and
the UK head into economic recovery.
Also attending the meeting were Shadow Foreign Secretary William
Hague and Shadow Chancellor George Osborne.
Minister Mentor Lee has left London for Armenia.
- CNA/ir
