MFA Press Statement: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam at the 19th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 26 to 27 April 2012

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam, who is attending the 19th ASEAN-European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) in Bandar Seri Begawan, had a short bilateral meeting with Minister of State for European Affairs of Ireland Ms Lucinda Creighton en route to attend the AEMM. Minister Shanmugam also met his counterparts from Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden at the sidelines of the AEMM.

Minister Shanmugam and Ms Creighton reaffirmed the friendly bilateral relations between Singapore and Ireland, and exchanged views on recent developments in ASEAN and the EU.

At the meeting with Foreign Minister of Denmark Villy Søvndal, the Ministers noted the warm and positive relations between the two countries, and agreed to explore new ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Uri Rosenthal and Minister Shanmugam discussed developments in the regional architecture, and noted the growing bilateral cooperation in various sectors such as the environment and clean energy.

Foreign Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt and Minister Shanmugam exchanged views on regional and international issues, reaffirmed the strong state of bilateral relations, the increasing economic links between the two countries and possible new areas for cooperation.

Minister Shanmugam also sought the continued support of Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Ireland for the successful conclusion of the ongoing EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
26 APRIL 2012