The first visit in UK for any Singaporean President!

The president of Singapore is about to become the first leader of Singapore who will ever make a state visit to the UK.

Buckingham Palace said that Tony Tan Keng Yam had accepted an invitation made by the Queen, to travel to London this October. 

Mr. Tan will take along with him his wife Mary, for the trip announced to last for three days in England.

This visit would demonstrate the closeness of Britain's commercial and political relationship with Singapore, according to the Prime Minister David Cameron.

A day after his ordinary audience he has each week with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, Mr. Cameron said: "I was discussing this with Her Majesty last night and she is very much looking forward to it. It's excellent news and a moment, I think, to demonstrate our close economic, political and strategic ties".

Mr. Cameron kept contact with his Singaporean counterpart, Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong, in Downing Street, on Thursday.

Britain usually hosts two state visits each year. Irish President Michael D Higgins is being received from 8 to 11 April.

The 21st of October is the official date when Mr. Tan and his wife are due to arrive in the UK.