Official Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women of Australia Marise Payne, 7 to 9 October 2020

                Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women of Australia Marise Payne is in Singapore for an official visit from 7 to 9 October 2020. Minister Payne called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and was hosted to lunch by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan today. In her capacity as Minister for Women, Minister Payne also met Minister of State (MOS) in the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education Sun Xueling.

                The two Foreign Ministers noted the good progress on the wide-ranging cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is at its 5th year mark. They noted the good cooperation between both countries amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, such as collaboration in vaccine development and supporting “vaccine multilateralism”. They also discussed how both countries could work together to re-open borders in a safe and gradual manner. The Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

                Prime Minister Lee and Minister Payne reaffirmed the excellent relations between Singapore and Australia, and exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues. They also discussed how both countries are tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and taking steps towards economic recovery.

                Minister Payne and MOS Sun had a good discussion on women’s issues. MOS Sun shared with Minister Payne about the recent launch of conversations to identify and tackle issues affecting Singapore women. Minister Payne said that the conversations are timely and she looked forward to the results. Minister Payne and MOS Sun also discussed issues such as family violence and employment opportunities for women, and how COVID-19 has impacted them.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

8 OCTOBER 2020

Caption: Call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne at The Istana, 8 October 2020

[Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore]

Caption: Lunch hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan for Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne, 8 October 2020

[Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore]

Caption: Meeting between Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education Sun Xueling and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne, 8 October 2020

[Photo Credit: Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore]