MFA Press Statement: Introductory Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Qatar, 15 to 16 April 2018

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made his introductory visit to Qatar from 15 to 16 April 2018.  

Minister Balakrishnan called on Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, on 15 April 2018.  Reaffirming the strong bilateral relationship, it was agreed that both sides would convene the next Singapore-Qatar High Level Joint Committee (HLJC) meeting at a mutually convenient date.  The HLJC will review substantive progress in cooperation between the two countries, including in the areas of security, business and sustainable development.

During his visit, Minister Balakrishnan co-chaired the inaugural Implementation Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani.  The two Foreign Ministers agreed on the value of the IMM as a platform under the HLJC umbrella to broaden cooperation and expedite bilateral initiatives.  At the close of the meeting, both co-chairs endorsed an IMM Joint Statement laying out a roadmap for future cooperation.  Over lunch hosted by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed, the two leaders discussed developments in our respective regions, and explored how both sides could pursue mutually beneficial collaboration in a range of sectors.

Minister Balakrishnan also met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, His Excellency Dr Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality and Environment, His Excellency Mohammed Bin Abdullah Mitaib Al Rumaihi, and Secretary to the Emir for Security Affairs, His Excellency Mohammed Bin Ahmed Abdullah Al Misnad.  In his meetings, Minister Balakrishnan exchanged views on regional and global issues. He was also briefed on developments in Qatar, and opportunities to advance bilateral cooperation.  Minister Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s commitment to our longstanding friendship with Qatar.  He also welcomed the upcoming visits to Singapore by His Excellency Al Attiyah and His Excellency Al Rumaihi as useful opportunities to explore further engagement in their respective areas.

At His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed’s invitation, Minister Balakrishnan also attended the opening ceremony of the Qatar National Library (QNL), a major cultural landmark in Doha.  Minister Balakrishnan met Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, on the sidelines of the QNL opening ceremony during which they reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations, and agreed to explore  substantive initiatives to elevate relations.

During his visit, Minister Balakrishnan met with businessmen from a number of companies in the Singapore Business Federation exploring opportunities in the Qatar market, and about 170 overseas Singaporeans based in Qatar, at a reception hosted by the Singapore Embassy in Doha.

Minister Balakrishnan departs Doha for London on 17 April 2018.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

17 APRIL 2018

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan calls on Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, in Doha, Qatar on Sunday, 15 April 2018

[Photo Credit: Emiri Diwan]

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan co-chairs the inaugural Implementation Monitoring Mechanism meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani, in Doha, Qatar on Sunday, 15 April 2018

[Photo Credit: Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan meets Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Dr Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, in Doha, Qatar on Monday, 16 April 2018

[Photo Credit: Qatar Ministry of Defence]