The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore presents its compliments to

The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, has the honour to propose that the Government of the Republic of Singapore and the Government of the People's Republic of China reach the following agreement on the maintenance by the Government of the Republic of Singapore of its Consulate-General in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China: (a) The Government of the People's Republic of China agrees to the maintenance by the Government of the Republic of Singapore of its Consulate-General in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

(b) The Government of the People's Republic of China agrees to the performance by the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of its consular functions in the Macao Special Administrative Region after the Government of the People's Republic of China resumes the exercise of sovereignty over Macao with effect from 20 December 1999.

(c) The operations of the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be regulated by applicable principles of international law. Consular matters shall be handled on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and in a friendly and co-operative spirit.

(d) The Government of the People's Republic of China shall, in accordance with applicable principles of international law and relevant laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China, accord necessary assistance and facilities to the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the performance of its consular functions.

If the above points receive the Ministry's confirmation in a note in reply made on behalf of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the present note and the Ministry's return note shall constitute an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and the Government of the People's Republic of China, and shall enter into force with effect from 1 July 1997.

The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China the assurances of its highest consideration.

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore BEIJING 28 January 1997 Ministry of Foreign Affairs People's Republic of China