MFA Press Statement: Visit of Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, 20 May

[Photo:MFA]

VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS JULIE BISHOP

20 MAY 2015

The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop is visiting Singapore on 20 May 2015. Minister Bishop was hosted to breakfast by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam.  During her meeting with Minister Shanmugam, the Ministers reaffirmed the excellent ties between Singapore and Australia and noted the progress made on the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) which will be concluded this year, to mark the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Australia. The CSP will take bilateral relations to the next level and strengthen political, economic, defence, and people-to-people ties between both countries.  Minister Bishop and Minister Shanmugam also presided over the official opening of the koala exhibit at the Singapore Zoo.  Minister Shanmugam expressed Singapore’s appreciation to Australia for the six-month loan of four koala bears. 

                   Minister Bishop also attended an event at the Australian High Commission where she co-launched “50 Bridges” with Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Communications and Information Lawrence Wong. An arts and culture engagement programme, “50 Bridges” celebrates SG50 as well as commemorates the 50^th anniversary of bilateral relations between Singapore and Australia in 2015. 

                   At the Australian High Commission, Minister Bishop also announced the establishment of a High-Level Women’s Dialogue between Singapore and Australia.  Minister Bishop will be the co-chair of the inaugural Dialogue, scheduled to take place in Australia in end-2015.  The Singapore co-chair will be Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu.  Minister Fu said: “I am delighted to co-chair the High-Level Women’s Dialogue with Minister Julie Bishop.   The challenges Singapore and Australia face, as well as our solutions, may not be identical, but there is much we can learn from each other. The theme for the inaugural Dialogue, on the promotion of women’s economic empowerment and leadership in business, is timely and appropriate.  Like Australia, Singapore is committed to fostering women’s leadership and empowerment.  I thank Australia and Minister Bishop for offering to host the inaugural Dialogue, which I am looking forward to.” 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

20 MAY 2015