The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Mr Pak Ui Chun, called on Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at the Istana this afternoon.  The two leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral exchanges and economic ties.  Minister Pak updated Senior Minister Goh on the current economic challenges facing the DPRK.   Senior Minister Goh recalled that he had visited the Gaesong Industrial Complex in the DPRK in February 2008, and was impressed by it.  Senior Minister Goh suggested that the DPRK could consider opening up its economy and integrating it with the rest of the world.  Senior Minister Goh shared with Minister Pak Singapore’s development experience as well as the developments that Senior Minister Goh had seen in other countries, which were also opening up their economies.  Senior Minister Goh shared with Minister Pak his visit to Libya in May 2008 and meeting with Colonel Muammar Ghaddafi, during which Colonel Ghaddafi had spoken about how the world had changed and how Libya intended to liberalise its economy.

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PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

SINGAPORE

23 JULY 2008