Pakistan and Singapore share a
longstanding history of friendly and cordial relations. Bilaterial ties between
the two countries have grown from strength to strength since the establishment
of diplomatic relations in August, 1966. Both countries cooperate and work
closely at the bilateral and multilateral levels in regional and international
fora and understand the interests of each other. They share similar perceptions
on most international and regional issues and also support each others'
candidatures in international fora. Leaders and officials from both sides
interact regularly to exchange views on issues of mutual interest. A number of
high level visits from both sides have also been exchanged. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew,
the founding father of Singapore, undertook memorable visits to Pakistan in
1988 and 1992. Former Singaporean Prime Minister Mr. Goh Chok Tong visited
Pakistan in 2004. Leadership from Pakistan, including former President General
Zia ul Haq, former Prime Ministers Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Mr. Shaukat Aziz
also undertook visits to Singapore during their respective tenures. The prime
Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Singapore during his
earlier tenures in 1991, 1992, and 1999. All these visits have served to
further strengthen the bilateral relations between two countries. On the
economic front, a number of agreements, including Avoidance of Double Taxation
Agreement, Investment Guarantee Agreement and Air Services Agreement have. been
concluded for facilitation of trade and investment. Besides, a number of other
Agreements/Memorandums of Understanding are also in place.
2. The flourishing commercial
relations between Pakistan and Singapore are also manifested by growing
bilateral trade and investment. During the past Singapore invested in a number
of projects in Pakistan. Business from both sides continue to identify
opportunities for mutual collaboration. People to people contacts are also
growing. The Pakistani community living in Singapore has contributed
significantly to the social and economic progress of the country. Singapore
provides training to Pakistani public servants under Singapore Cooperation
Programme. The visits by Pakistani officials to Singapore constitute valuable
pillar of people to people interactions and promote better understanding of
each other.
3. Pakistan and Singapore share a
common desire to expand their bilateral cooperation and deepen their ties. The
50th anniversary celebrations are the practical demonstration of the resolve of
the two sides to make positive strides in their relations.
To celebrate the Golden Jubilee
of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Singapore,
Pakistan High Commision in Singapore suggested that Pakistan Post may issue a
commemorative stamp on the occasion.
Singapore Post proposed that
theme of the stamp, to be issued on the completion of the 50 years of
establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Singapore, may be
National Flowers of both the countries, meaning that Pakistan Post may prepare
a stamp design showing Jasmine, the national flower of Pakistan and Singapore
Post's stamp show its national flower Vanda Miss Joaquim.
JASMINE:- Jasminum
officinale, known as the common jasmine or simply jasmine, is a species of
flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae, The genus name jasmine is derived
from the Persian Yasmeen meaning "The Gift from God", also known as
Chambelli in local language.
Jasmine symbolizes attachments,
represents amiability, modesty and motherhood therefore Jasmine named the
National Flower of Pakistan.
Jasmine is a very unique and
beautifull flower which demonstrates the uniqueness of the nature. The Jasmine
flower has gleaming and shinny leaves and has pleasent and graceful fragnance
as well. The flower grows in clusters and shrubs and the most preferred season
is in summers, and for growth and grooming the lower it needs plenty of water,
fertilizers and bright sunshine.
Vanda Miss Joaquim:- Vanda
Miss Joaquim 'Agnes' (The Butterfly Miss Joaquim 'Agnes') (The Butterfly Teres
x Papilionanthe Hookeriana)
This hybrid is hardy and free
flowering. Described by the first director of the Gardens Mr. HN Ridley in
1893, this was the first orchid hybrid to be described from Singapore. Ridley
named the plant after Agnes Joaquim in whose garden the hybrid originated. It
was selected to be the National Flower of Singapore in 1981.
It was awarded first class
Certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society in London, and was selected as
Singapore's National flower for its vibrant colours, hardiness and
resilience-qualities that reflect the Singapore spirit. A few varieties of
Vanda Miss Joaquim exist and these are the results of the crossing of the
different varieties or forms of the species parent. The original one that was
described by Ridely was given the varietal name 'Agnes' by Holttum.
On 50 Years of Establishment Diplomatic Relations Pakistan and Singapore Joint Issue, the commemorative postage stamps of Rs.8/- denomination each design (set of 2) is being issued by Pakistan Post on October 18, 2016.
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