US, Singapore firms sign airlines deal during Trump, Lee meetings

WASHINGTON, Oct 23 (KUNA) -- US and Singapore officials signed an agreement Monday at the White House that President Donald Trump described as a USD 13.8 billion deal between Boeing and Singapore Airlines.
During an Oval Office appearance with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Trump said, "Singapore is buying billions of dollars' worth of airplanes from Boeing that will be made in our country. So that's jobs. And you're also buying the best plane, by the way. So that's very good." Lee said he was "very happy to be here with you, and to be here at a time when our relations are prospering. And we look forward to taking them forward, deepening them, and strengthening them for many years to come, and starting with this administration." When Trump mentioned his planned trip to Asia next month, Lee said, "We look forward to meeting you and to hearing your message." During the airlines contract signing in the Cabinet room, Trump and Lee were joined by other US and Singapore officials, as well as Kevin McAllister, executive vice president of The Boeing Co. and chief executive officer (CEO) of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong. (end) rm.bs