MFA Press Statement: Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam to Strasbourg, France from 9 to 10 September 2013

Minister Shanmugam addressing the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee [Photo: EU Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) Secretariat]
 

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam had a series of meetings with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Strasbourg, France on 9 and 10 September 2013.

Minister Shanmugam met with Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) Mr Elmar Brok and Chair of the Delegation for Relations of Southeast Asia and ASEAN (DASE) Mr Werner Langen. In both meetings, they reaffirmed the warm relations between Singapore and the EU, and reiterated both sides’ commitment to strengthening ties. Both sides also discussed how we could promote economic cooperation and regional development.

Minister Shanmugam also addressed AFET, in association with DASE. His remarks focused on the current state of relations between the EU and Singapore, including the strong EU presence in Singapore, our excellent economic relationship, and Singapore’s position as a significant investment and trading partner of the EU. Minister Shanmugam also noted the benefits of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA), and how it could act as a pathfinder for the EU’s deeper engagement in Southeast Asia. The session concluded with several EU MEPs expressing their support for the ratification of the EUSFTA and the EU-Singapore Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (ESPCA). Minister Shanmugam also met members of the European Parliament Committee on International Trade (INTA), who noted the importance of pushing the EUSFTA ratification process forward.

Minister Shanmugam also met the heads of various European Parliament political groupings. They discussed developments and policies in Europe, Asia and Singapore. Both sides committed to build on existing ties and to explore opportunities for deeper long-term engagement.

Minister Shanmugam and his delegation departed Strasbourg on 10 September 2013.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
11 SEPTEMBER 2013