MFA Press Statement: Call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong by the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, Dr Ali Larijani, 8 June 2011

Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, Dr Ali Larijani, called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana this morning. Dr Larijani is in Singapore at the invitation of Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi. During the call, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including developments in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Lee noted that Iran is a great nation with an illustrious history and abundant human talent and economic potential. While Singapore would like to strengthen our economic relations with Iran, this was constrained by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions currently in place.

Prime Minister Lee emphasised that while Singapore supported the right of all countries to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme, as enshrined in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, we believed that all rights came with corresponding responsibilities and obligations. It was in Iran's own interest to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the international community to resolve questions over its nuclear programme.

Singapore looked forward to further strengthening and expanding our relations with Iran.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
8 JUNE 2011