MFA Press Statement: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam’s Meeting with Secretary of State of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Lucian Aurescu on the sidelines of the 19th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting, 27 April 2012

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law Mr K Shanmugam met with the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania Mr Bogdan Lucian Aurescu on the sidelines of the 19th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan on 27 April 2012. Minister Shanmugam noted that it has been over two years since the hit-and-run accident involving former Romanian Chargé d'Affaires in Singapore Dr Silviu Ionescu and stressed that the Singapore Government continues to monitor the Ionescu trial currently underway in Bucharest closely. Secretary Aurescu assured Minister Shanmugam that the Romanian Foreign Ministry took this case very seriously and would do everything necessary to ensure that the case proceeded as quickly as possible. Minister Shanmugam conveyed through Secretary Aurescu the Singapore Government’s appreciation to the Romanian Government for its handling of the case. They agreed that it was in the interest of both countries that the cause of justice is served expeditiously on this case.

Minister Shanmugam also further informed Secretary Aurescu of the appointment of Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Belgium Mr Ong Eng Chuan as Singapore's next Special Envoy to Romania with effect from 30 April 2012. Special Envoy to Romania Ambassador Anil Kumar Nayar relinquishes his post on 27 April 2012. Secretary Aurescu welcomed the appointment.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
27 APRIL 2012