( dpa ) - Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong starts a week-long trip Monday to strengthen ties between Singapore, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Singapore's Foreign Ministry said Monday.
His visit is at the invitation of the Qatari heir apparent, Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad al-Thani.
Goh has led Singapore's drive into the Middle East in recent years. A 35-member business delegation will explore opportunities in Qatar and Dubai in the UAE.
Goh will address the first Qatar-Singapore Business Forum and officiate at the unveiling of the foundation stone for the Doha North Sewage Treatment Works, a project won by Keppel Seghers, the infrastructure arm of the Keppel Group, the schedule said.
He will meet during the visit with Sheikh Tamin, Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani and other leaders.
Travelling Friday to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Goh is also expected to meet members of the royal family and business leaders during his three-day stay.