MFA Press Statement: Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo's Official Visit to Spain, 14-15 April 2010

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo made an official visit to Spain from 14 - 15 April 2010. While in Madrid, he met with Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos and President of Madrid and Countess of Murillo H.E. Doña Esperanza Aguirre.

In the meeting with Foreign Minister Moratinos on 14 April, the two Ministers signed the Air Services Agreement (ASA) between the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Singapore. Under the ASA, airlines from both countries can operate passenger and cargo services between, and beyond Spain and Singapore. The Agreement will strengthen people-to-people ties, boost tourism and enhance bilateral economic relations not just between Spain and Singapore, but also between the Asia-Pacific region and the European Union (EU).

Minister Yeo and Minister Moratinos noted that Singapore's trade with Spain was amongst the lowest for the larger EU countries and agreed that more could be done to enhance bilateral relations. In this context, the Ministers agreed that Spain and Singapore should increase economic linkages and promote more visiting business delegations to stimulate business interest and explore greater collaboration. Minister Moratinos expressed his desire to visit Singapore after Spain concludes its EU Presidency, possibly towards the end of this year or in 2011.

Both Ministers also had a substantive exchange of views over developments in their respective regions. Minister Moratinos explained the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty and the Spanish Presidency of the EU, while Minister Yeo spoke about the developments in ASEAN and Southeast Asia. The Ministers also had a good discussion on the G20 and Global Governance Group (3G). They agreed that it was important for the G20 to have sufficient flexibility to enable the views of non-G20 members to be heard and to participate in discussions on specialised issues.

In their meeting on 15 April, Minister Yeo and President of Madrid Esperanza agreed that it was important for Madrid and Singapore to explore possible avenues to enhance bilateral links. President Esperanza accepted Minister Yeo's invitation to visit Singapore, and indicated that she would be happy to bring along a business delegation in July 2010.

Minister Yeo will be proceeding to Barcelona to attend the IESE Business School International Advisory Board (IAB) Meeting and address the IAB Seminar the following day, 16 April.
. . . . .

15 APRIL 2010
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE