US Vice-President Kamala Harris Has Arrived in S’pore via Paya Lebar Air Base

Every now and then, Singapore will see great leaders visit our nations for various reasons. From the Trump-Kim summit to the National Day Parade, these leaders are all here for different purposes.

This time, we have the vice-president of the United States, Kamala Harris, but she’s not here to see the Merlion.

US Vice President Kamala Harris Has Arrived in S’pore via Paya Lebar Air Base

The vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris left Washington on Friday (20 Aug) and only arrived in Singapore on an Air Force Two this morning (22 Aug) at about 10:50am.

She was warmly welcomed by our Foreign Affairs Minister, Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

Aside from our Foreign Affairs Minister, Chee Wee Kiong, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Singapore’s Ambassador to the USA, Ashok Mirpuri, also greeted her at the tarmac.

Before her arrival, Air Force Two stopped over at Anchorage, Alaska and Tokyo, Japan, to refuel. She did not leave the plane during the refuelling process.

Ms Harris landed on our little red dot via the Paya Lebar Air Base, accompanied by over 20 staff and security officers.

In case you’re thinking, wah so many people, got follow COVID-19 guidelines not?

The answer is, of course.

All of them were donning a face mask. Ms Harris will be required to go through regular COVID-19 testing the entire time she is here. Additionally, she’ll be constrained to a controlled itinerary as well.

If you are wondering how does COVID-19 testing works, watch this video to the end:

What Will US Vice-President Kamala Harris Be Doing in Singapore?

Ms Harris will be in Singapore for three days. During this period of time, she will meet with President Halimah Yacob on a call, and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for a joint press conference.

An orchid will also be named in her honour. Looks like Vanda Miss Joaquim will have a worthy competitor soon.

After her meeting, she’ll visit the Changi Naval Base and the US littoral combat ship USS Tulsa for a multilateral exercise.

Before she departs for Vietnam on 24 Aug, Ms Harris will deliver a policy speech and participate in a round-table discussion. The discussion will involve the business community and Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong.

In short, she won’t have time to stroll through Gardens by the Bay or have a cup of lime juice at Adam Road hawker centre.

After she departs Singapore on 24 Aug, she will be heading to Vietnam. She will then leave the region on 26 Aug.

Read Also: 

• S’pore Couple’s Proposal Video Went Viral on YT; Couple’s Love Story Started Since Primary School
• This Year’s NDP Blooper is a Flag That Disappears Into Thin Air

Featured Image: Facebook (Vivian Balakrishnan)