MFA Press Statement: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K Shanmugam at the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, 22 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, attended the High-Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security on 22 September 2011. He also met his counterparts from Pakistan, Panama, Portugal, Israel and Ukraine.

During the UN High-Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security, Minister Shanmugam said that Singapore and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had pledged to support the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) efforts to strengthen the global nuclear safety framework. He also announced that Singapore would host a nuclear safety seminar in 2012 which would address regional cooperation on emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Minister Shanmugam and Pakistani Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Hina Rabbani Khar reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways of increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Singapore. Minister Khar accepted an invitation from Minister Shanmugam to visit Singapore.

Minister Shanmugam and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama Mr Roberto C. Henríquez affirmed the close relationship between Panama and Singapore and discussed ways to further enhance economic cooperation.

Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Mr Paulo Portas briefed Minister Shanmugam on developments in Portugal and the European Union.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel Avigdor Lieberman and Minister Shanmugam exchanged views on recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa.

Ukrainian Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Kostyantyn Gryschenko updated Minister Shanmugam on developments in Ukraine. Both Ministers looked forward to enhancing bilateral relations and stepping up economic cooperation between their two countries.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
23 SEPTEMBER 2011