MFA Press Statement: Visit of Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, 13 to 14 March 2017

“Lunch hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan for Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, Julie Bishop on 13 March 2017.” [Credit: MFA]

“Call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop on 13 March 2017.” [Credit: MCI]

                Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop is in Singapore for a two-day visit. Minister Bishop was hosted today to lunch by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. During the lunch, the Ministers reaffirmed the excellent relations between Singapore and Australia, and noted the good progress made on the implementation of the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both Ministers also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments.

                Minister Bishop called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana in the afternoon, where they had a discussion on geo-political developments. Minister Bishop also briefed Prime Minister Lee on developments in Australia.

                Minister Bishop had in the morning, co-launched the Landing Pad for Australian start-ups at BASH (Build Amazing Startups Here, Block 79 JTC LaunchPad@one-north) with Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S Iswaran. In addition, she delivered the 28^th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Fullerton Lecture on “Change and uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific – strategic challenges and opportunities for Australia” in the evening.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

13 MARCH 2017