Calvin Eu (于文豪), left.

Taipei, April 15 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) on Wednesday conferred a medal on Singapore's outgoing representative to Taiwan, Calvin Eu (于文豪), in recognition of his contributions to the friendly relations between Taiwan and the Southeast Asian country.

At a ceremony at the Presidential Office, Ma presented the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to Eu, who is set to return home later this month after almost four years' tenure in Taiwan.

In response, Eu said he was honored to receive the medal and expressed hope that bilateral cooperation will be expanded.

He also noted the upcoming anniversary of an economic cooperation agreement between Taiwan and Singapore, which he said has created mutual benefits, including tariff concessions, better market access and more investment opportunities.

Taiwan and Singapore signed the Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP) in November 2013 and it came into force April 19, 2014.

ASTEP has opened a new door for bilateral ties and both sides should continue to seek more cooperation, Eu said.

Solid economic cooperation is a pillar of Taiwan-Singapore relations, he added.

In 2014, Singapore was Taiwan's fifth-largest trading partner, while Taiwan was Singapore's sixth-largest trading partner, he said.

(By Kelven Huang and Elaine Hou)
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