MFA Press Statement: Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo at the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, 22 September 2010

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo, who is in New York for the 65th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, met his counterparts from Armenia, Australia, Pakistan, Romania and Slovenia on 22 September 2010.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian briefed Minister Yeo on the developments in Armenia. Both Minsters looked forward to stronger bilateral relations, including more people-to-people exchanges between Singapore and Armenia.

Minister Yeo's meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd was made at Minister Yeo's request. Both Ministers reaffirmed the good cooperation between Singapore and Australia. They also had an extensive discussion on regional architecture, including the East Asia Summit.

Minister Yeo and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi discussed regional and international issues, including developments in Pakistan and South Asia. They also explored ways to further improve bilateral relations.

Minister Yeo discussed the Silviu Ionescu case with Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodor Baconschi during their meeting. Minister Baconschi expressed his regret that the tragic incident had happened, and assured Minister Yeo of the Romanian government's commitment in ensuring that justice is done. Minister Yeo thanked Minister Baconschi for the professional manner in which the Romanian government had handled the case, and assured him of Singapore's continuing cooperation on the issue.

Minister Yeo and Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Zbogar discussed the developments in Singapore and Slovenia. Both Ministers agreed that bilateral relations were good. Minister Yeo also invited Minister Zbogar to visit Singapore, which Minister Zbogar accepted.

Minister Yeo also attended the Asia Cooperation Dialogue Ministerial breakfast meeting in the morning of 22 September 2010. He hosted a reception for overseas Singaporeans in New York the same evening.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
23 SEPTEMBER 2010