MFA Press Statement: Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam to the Islamic Republic of Iran, 24 to 27 February 2014

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam's call on Iran President Hassan Rouhani, 24 February 2014. [Photo: MFA]
 

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam is in Iran on an introductory visit at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif.  In addition to Tehran, Minister Shanmugam is also visiting Isfahan.

Minister Shanmugam and Foreign Minister Zarif met on 24 February 2014 and discussed a wide range of issues during their meeting as well as over lunch.  They reaffirmed the friendly relations between the two countries.  They also discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations through greater political and people-to-people exchanges, and closer collaboration in the arts and culture.  They also exchanged views on broadening economic relations when the constraints ease.   

Foreign Minister Zarif briefed Minister Shanmugam about the progress in the implementation of the interim Joint Plan of Action (JPA).  He also briefed Minister Shanmugam on the recently concluded negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 in Vienna, where both sides agreed on the framework for negotiating the comprehensive agreement over Iran’s nuclear programme.  Minister Shanmugam noted the important progress made under the JPA, and hoped that a comprehensive agreement could be reached, which would address the concerns of the international community regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.  Such an agreement, when achieved, would be in the interests of Iran, the wider Middle East region and the international community.  Minister Shanmugam said that Singapore recognised Iran’s right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy within the framework of its international obligations, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Minister Shanmugam also extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Zarif, to visit Singapore at a mutually convenient time.

Minister Shanmugam also called on President Hassan Rouhani.  During the meeting, Minister Shanmugam conveyed the greetings of our leaders and welcomed the improving relations between Iran and the international community under President Rouhani’s leadership.  As a country with a long history and rich culture, Minister Shanmugam noted that Iran had an important role to play in the region to promote peace and stability.

Separately, Minister Shanmugam also called on the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran Ali Larijani.  They agreed that the Singapore-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group had served as an effective platform in maintaining people-to people exchanges between parliamentarians from both sides.  They also welcomed further exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s culture.  Minister Shanmugam also met the Mayor of Tehran Dr Mohammad Ghalibaf.  The two exchanged views on city and town planning.  Minister Shanmugam noted that Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan had invited Dr Ghalibaf to the World Cities Summit in Singapore in June 2014.  He looked forward to seeing Dr Ghalibaf again in Singapore.

.    .    .    .    .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

25 FEBRUARY 2014