MFA Press Statement: Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister For Law K Shanmugam to the United Arab Emirates, 14 to 16 November 2014

            Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 14 to 16 November 2014 for the 5th Sir Bani Yas Forum (SBYF) at the invitation of UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

            At the sidelines of the Forum, Minister Shanmugam met Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Hassan Shoukry.  Both Ministers affirmed the good bilateral relationship between Singapore and Egypt.  Minister Shoukry updated Minister Shanmugam about the political and economic developments in Egypt.  Minister Shanmugam welcomed Egypt to send more officials for training under the Singapore Cooperation Programme.

            Minister Shanmugam met Luxembourg Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean Asselborn as well.  Both Ministers welcomed the good momentum in bilateral relations, which was underpinned by high-level exchanges.  Minister Shanmugam sought Minister Asselborn’s support for the early ratification of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA).  The two Ministers also discussed regional developments.

            In addition, Minister Shanmugam met Mozambique Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Oldemiro Baloi to discuss how to strengthen bilateral cooperation.  Both Ministers also exchanged views on developments in their respective regions.  Minister Shanmugam encouraged Mozambique to send more officials for training under the Singapore Cooperation Programme.

            Minister Shanmugam also met United States Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL General (Retd) John Allen, who expressed his appreciation for Singapore’s contributions in support of the coalition’s efforts to combat the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

18 NOVEMBER 2014