MFA Press Statement: Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo at the 63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York, 26 September 2008

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo, who is in New York from 21 September to 1 October 2008 to attend the 63rd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, met with his counterparts from Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, and Uzbekistan on 26th September 2008. In addition, he had meetings with Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Horin and US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill. Minister Yeo also attended a reception for Singaporeans.

Minister Yeo and Foreign Minister of Brazil Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim had an extensive discussion on global trade and the WTO Doha Round. They also exchanged views on recent developments around the world.

Foreign Minister of Ghana Akwasi Osei-Adjei briefed Minister Yeo on the Ghana government's policies in several key areas, including human resource development, education, management of natural resources, and agriculture. Both sides hoped to see more business links between the two countries.

Minister Yeo and Foreign Minister of Nigeria Chief Ojo Maduekwe expressed the wish for more trade and stronger bilateral cooperation between Singapore and Nigeria.

Minister Yeo and Rwanda Foreign Minister Rosemary Kobusingye Museminali were pleased with the collaboration in Rwanda's reform of the airport administration, government services and the national security trust fund. They also discussed Rwanda's efforts in expanding its IT industry, its agriculture sector and service industry.

Sao Tome and Principe Foreign Minister Carlos Alberto Pires Tiny gave Minister Yeo a briefing on the economic development in his country.

Solomon Islands Foreign Minister William Haomae informed Minister Yeo about the challenges facing Solomon Islands as a result of climate change. He also briefed Minister Yeo on the economic situation in his country.

Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov gave Minister Yeo an extensive briefing on the economic development strategy of Uzbekistan.

Minister Yeo and Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Horin discussed opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation.

Minister Yeo and US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill exchanged views on recent developments in the Korean Peninsula including the Six-Party talks, and Southeast Asia.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
27 SEPTEMBER 2008