MFA Press Statement: Visit By Minister Grace Fu To The Kingdom Of Belgium For The 20th ASEAN-European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting, 22 to 23 July 2014

    Minister in Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Grace Fu attended the 20^th ASEAN-European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) on 23 July 2014 in Brussels, Belgium.  At the AEMM, the Ministers of ASEAN and the EU unanimously conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the countries and families affected by the tragic downing of flight MH17.  The Ministers also reviewed the progress made in furthering the ASEAN-EU relationship under the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership (2013-2017) and discussed ways to build on the strong level of cooperation and engagement between the two regions.  The Ministers emphasised the importance of developing connectivity between both regions and welcomed the Joint Declaration on EU-ASEAN Aviation Co-operation adopted at the EU-ASEAN Aviation Summit held in Singapore in February 2014.  In addition, the Ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.   

    Minister Fu met Member of European Parliament (MEP) Werner Langen and had lunch with key MEPs at the sidelines of the 20^th AEMM.  Former Rapporteurs for the EU-Singapore Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (ESPCA) Reinhard Butikofer and Ana Gomes, AFET (Committee of Foreign Affairs) Chair Elmar Brok and European People’s Party Group Coordinator on Foreign Affairs Cristian Dan Preda were present at the lunch.  Minister Fu exchanged views on regional developments and strategies to further ASEAN-EU ties with the MEPs.

    Minister Fu also met with the Foreign Ministers of Latvia and Greece at the sidelines of the 20^th AEMM. 

    Minister Fu and Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs discussed suggestions to further bilateral cooperation in education.  Minister Rinkēvičs also reaffirmed Latvian support for the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA), in view of the Latvian EU presidency in 2015. 

    Minister Fu and Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos noted the warm relations between both countries.  Minister Venizelos reaffirmed Greek support for the EUSFTA. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

23 JULY 2014