MFA Press Statement: Study visit to Singapore by the Presidents of the Saami Parliaments of Finland, Norway and Sweden, 3 to 7 July 2017

               The President of the Saami Parliament of Sweden Mr Håkan Jonsson, President of the Saami Parliament of Finland Ms Tiina Juulia Sanila-Aikio, and President of the Saami Parliament of Norway Vibeke Larsen are in Singapore on a study visit from 3 to 7 July 2017 under the auspices of the Singapore-Arctic Council Permanent Participants Cooperation Package. 

               The delegation called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan this morning, where they discussed Singapore’s interests in the Arctic, the impact of climate change, and the priorities of the Saami community, including maintaining their traditional way of life, and cultural preservation. 

               During the five-day visit, the delegation will also be hosted to lunch by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sam Tan, as well as meet with Members of Parliament from the Singapore-Europe Parliamentary Friendship Group.  

               In addition, the delegation will have various site visits and briefings.  This will include visits to the Port of Singapore and the Maritime and Port Authority to learn about Singapore’s experiences in port management, as well as the National Parks Board and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, an important biodiversity conservation site and a key stop for Arctic migratory birds.  They will also have briefings by the Singapore Tourism Board, the Civil Service College, and the National Heritage Board on culture and heritage preservation.

               An estimated 100,000 Saami live across Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia.  The Saami are represented by the Saami Council at the Arctic Council as one of six Permanent Participant organisations.  Singapore was granted Observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

3 JULY 2017

Call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan by representatives from the Saami Parliaments of Finland, Norway and Sweden. [From L to R: Advisor to the Finnish Saami President Ms Inka-Saara Arttijeff, Advisor to the Swedish Saami President Ms Siri Persson, President of the Norwegian Saami Parliament Ms Vibeke Larsen, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, President of the Finnish Saami Parliament Ms Tiina Juulia Sanila-Aikio, President of the Swedish Saami Parliament Mr Håkan Jonsson, Senior Advisor to the Norwegian Saami President Mr Jon Petter Gintal ]