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 attended the 19th ASEAN-European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) on 27 April 2012 in Bandar Seri Begawan. The Ministers of ASEAN and EU had a good exchange of views on international issues of mutual concern. The discussions also covered the future direction of ASEAN-EU relations and ways to further deepen relations and interactions between the two regions. The Ministers welcomed the adoption of the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership (2013-2017).

Minister Shanmugam also met the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the UK, the Foreign Ministers of Estonia and Germany, as well as the Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at the sidelines of the 19th AEMM.

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the UK Mr William Hague and Minister Shanmugam reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations between the UK and Singapore, and discussed developments in the region.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Mr Urmas Paet and Minister Shanmugam noted the warm and growing relations between the two countries, and exchanged views on regional and international issues.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Dr Guido Westerwelle and Minister Shanmugam reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations and looked forward to the conclusion of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which will further strengthen the robust economic relations between Singapore and Germany. They also exchanged views on developments in their respective regions, and agreed on the strategic importance of strengthening ASEAN-EU relations.

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Spain Gonzalo de Benito Secades and Minister Shanmugam reaffirmed the warm ties of friendship and good cooperation between both countries. They agreed to explore new ways to strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
27 APRIL 2012