MFA Press Statement: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K Shanmugam at the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, 21 September 2011

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K Shanmugam, who is in New York for the 66th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, met his counterparts from Iran, Cuba, Fiji, Jamaica, Suriname, the Marshall Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Timor Leste on 21 September 2011.

Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Ali Akbar Salehi briefed Minister Shanmugam on developments in Iran and the potential for further developing economic relations between Iran and Singapore.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba Mr Bruno Rodriguez briefed Minister about developments in Cuba and welcomed greater cooperation from Singapore in areas like tourism, water treatment and airport management.

Fijian Acting Minister for Defence, National Security and Immigration Joketani Cokanasiga expressed his appreciation for Singapore's leadership of and contributions to the Forum of Small States (FOSS).

Minister Shanmugam and Jamaican Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Dr Kenneth Baugh affirmed the strong bilateral relations between their countries.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Suriname Mr Winston Lackin and Minister Shanmugam agreed that there was potential for enhancing bilateral relations, in particular, cooperation between the private sectors of both countries

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Marshall Islands Mr John Silk updated Minister Shanmugam on the economy of the Marshall Islands and potential investment opportunities. He welcomed Singapore companies to look at investing in the country.

Timor Leste Foreign Minister Mr Zacarias Albano da Costa updated Minister Shanmugam on developments in Timor Leste.

Minister Shanmugam and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, National Security, Labour, Immigration and Social Security of Saint Kitts and Nevis Mr Sam Condor discussed ways of enhancing cooperation between their countries.

Minister Shanmugam also met the President of the Council on Foreign Relations Dr Richard Haas and hosted a reception for members of FOSS.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
22 SEPTEMBER 2011