MFA Press Statement: Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to the United Arab Emirates, 7 to 8 March 2017

            Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made his introductory visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 7 to 8 March 2017.  He called on Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday.  During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Minister Balakrishnan reaffirmed the excellent relations between Singapore and the UAE, and agreed that both sides could explore ways to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic level.  Minister Balakrishnan conveyed an invitation for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to make an official visit to Singapore. 

            On 8 March 2017, Minister Balakrishnan co-chaired the 2^nd Singapore-UAE Joint Committee (SUJC) with Minister for Cabinet Affairs and the Future Mohammed Al Gergawi, under the theme of “Singapore and the United Arab Emirates: Cross-Regional Hubs”.  Both Ministers also had a wide-ranging discussion on areas of bilateral cooperation.  The Singapore delegation comprised 13 different agencies who had productive discussions with their UAE counterparts in key sectors such as trade and investment, homeland security, counter-extremism, financial services, food security, legal cooperation, environment and water. 

            The Ministers witnessed the signing of three agreements at the 2^nd SUJC; namely a Cooperation Agreement on Financial Technology between the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Courts, a Memorandum of Guidance on the Enforcement of Money Judgements and a Memorandum of Understanding on Judicial Cooperation between the Supreme Court and ADGM Court. Both sides also signed a Joint Communique on the outcomes of the 2^nd SUJC.  Minister Balakrishnan’s opening remarks and the text of the Joint Communique for the 2^nd SUJC are appended. 

        Minister Balakrishnan called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 8 March 2017.   They exchanged views on regional and international developments.

        UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted dinner and had a subsequent meeting with Minister Balakrishnan.  During their meetings, they reviewed key areas of the bilateral relationship.  They agreed on the need to further expand cooperation including the implementation of joint projects.

        Minister Balakrishnan also met with Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak.  Discussions focussed on economic cooperation between Singapore and Abu Dhabi.

         Minister Balakrishnan also visited the Hedayah Centre.  He was briefed at the Centre by Hedayah Chairman His Excellency Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuami on the UAE’s efforts to promote alternative narratives to counter violent extremist ideologies. 

        Minister Balakrishnan departs the UAE for Oman this evening.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

8 MARCH 2017

TRANSCRIPT OF OPENING REMARKS BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN FOR THE SECOND SINGAPORE-UNITED ARAB EMIRATES JOINT COMMITTEE ON 8 MARCH 2017

1        Thank you, Your Excellency Minister Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi and members of the delegations, ladies and gentlemen.  First, on behalf of the Singapore delegation, as you can see I brought a very large delegation, we thank you for your warm welcome and generous hospitality.  It is an honour for me to co-chair with you the 2^nd Singapore-UAE Joint Committee.  I am confident that this Committee has been working very hard, and we will be building upon the successes of the inaugural Joint Committee meeting, which was held in Singapore in October 2014.  I look forward to hearing the positive outcomes from the senior officials who will be reporting to us shortly. 

2        The theme of the Joint Committee, “Cross-Regional Hubs”, remains absolutely relevant today, maybe even more so given the global climate, the attitudes towards free trade, economic nationalism, and violent extremism.  I think all these in fact makes what we are trying to do even more salient, more important.  Against this backdrop, Singapore and the UAE have remained steadfast and like-minded partners.  In this era of transition and adjustments, it has become even more important for us to strengthen our hub-to-hub connections and overall cooperation. 

3        The 2^nd SUJC is thus a timely opportunity for us to take stock of our excellent and wide-ranging ties, to consolidate new areas for cooperation, and exchange views on how to bring the relationship forward.  I thank you for the very comprehensive speech just now.  I am accompanied by representatives from 13 ministries and agencies, and they have all been hard at work for the last couple of days discussing with their respective counterparts on how we can advance these mutual projects.  I am glad that we are shortly witnessing the signing of three agreements in the areas of financial technology, judicial cooperation and enforcement of money judgement. 

4        As far as bilateral relations are concerned, since diplomatic ties were established 32 years ago, bilateral cooperation at both the Federal-level, as well as the Emirate-levels have flourished in many areas.  While trade and commerce have traditionally anchored our bilateral ties, we welcome the broadening of our engagement into new areas such as cyber security and sustainable development.

5        Both sides have also benefited from our frequent exchanges and many study visits.  Since 2014, Singapore has received 54 study visits from the UAE.  These study visits have been involved in areas such as defence, education, crisis management, policing and environmental policies.  In fact, if you add it up, it comes to an average of 1 study visit every 20 days.  Both our officials have certainly been busy.  Singapore also could benefit from the UAE’s experience in areas including the environment, sustainability, tourism and aviation, smart cities and religious education, and of course countering violent extremism.  The close ties and frequent exchanges between our leaders and officials are the hallmark of our bilateral relationship.  We also welcomed four ministerial-level visits from the UAE last year, while five of our Political Office Holders have visited the UAE.  I want to renew our invitation for you to come to visit us in Singapore soon.

6        On the economic front, there will be fluctuations in the economic numbers, but the fundamental point is that the UAE has been Singapore’s top trading partner in the Middle East since 2012.  Last year’s bilateral trade was at about US$11 billion.  The UAE is also Singapore’s largest investment destination in the Middle East.  I think that currently stands at US$1.6 billion in 2014.  These two figures help substantiate the point that Singapore and the UAE are truly cross-regional hubs and broader pipelines connect these two hubs as vibrant and dynamic regions of the world.  But we also know that there is rising protectionist sentiments worldwide, and that means it is important for both of us, as we are open economies that are dependent on trade, that we have to advocate for free trade on the global stage.  I am confident that we will do so, not just in words, but also in actions.  I am reminded of what His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed said yesterday, “look at the data, measure the actions, these speak even louder than words”.

7        Singapore can serve as a base for UAE companies venturing into Southeast Asia and into Asia at large.  With the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, ASEAN now offers a market of over 632 million people with a combined GDP of US$2.5 trillion.  This would make us equivalent to the 7^th largest national economy in the world.  It is not so much the current status of ASEAN.  There is also the fact that we have significant growth potential, and have many young people like you do.  These are the dividends that we will harvest in the next two decades.  Therefore, despite the geographical distance, our people-to-people ties must continue to be strengthened.  The UAE hosts the largest concentration of Singaporeans in this region.  We thank you for looking after so many Singaporeans here.  I think we have about 3,000 who are currently living and working in the UAE.  In 2016, we welcomed over 80,000 visitors from the UAE to Singapore, and again we need you to visit us as well, to add to that number.  With our excellent air connectivity, I am confident that our tourism flows and our people-to-people exchanges will increase in the years ahead. 

8        Moving forward, we should make full use of the Joint Committee to identify new areas that would further broaden our bilateral cooperation.  I would like to briefly highlight two potential areas.  First, we know that the UAE is an effective part of international efforts to counter terrorism and in promoting peace and tolerance.  As a multi-racial and multi-religious society ourselves, Singapore shares this outlook with the UAE.  While our security agencies are already working well together in areas such as information and intelligence sharing, there is really scope for our institutions to explore broadening this cooperation further.  This could include the mutual recognition of accreditation of Islamic teachers and collaboration between institutions that promote counter narratives to violent extremism.  This came across very strongly during my visit to Hedayah yesterday. 

9        Second, I see potential to do more in environmental cooperation given the increasing importance of renewable energy and sustainability on the global agenda.  The UAE is an international leader in renewable energy, as exemplified by the UAE’s successful hosting of the IRENA headquarters and the announcement of its Energy Strategy 2050.  There are many potential synergies for us to tap into, and this in turn would yield economic benefits.  I hope we can also continue to work together on waste-water and other energy projects in the future. 

10      In conclusion, I am confident that the progress we have made in our bilateral relationship and the strong interest from the multiple agencies that are represented at this meeting, all bode well for our future.  Singapore and the UAE should explore how each side can further support each other’s strategic interests.  I am confident that our efforts today will take us another step closer towards strengthening the strategic linkages between our two small nations that not only live in tough neighbourhoods, but also play a vital role as trusted and reliable parties.  The more we do together, I think, would also strengthen our roles in our respective regions. 

11      Thank you once again for this opportunity to work with you and with the members of your delegation.  Thank you very much.

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JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ OF

THE SECOND MEETING OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE

BETWEEN

THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND

THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

            The Second Meeting of the Joint Committee between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Singapore was held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates on 8 March 2017. The UAE delegation was headed by His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future of the United Arab Emirates.  The Singapore delegation was headed by His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore. 

            The meeting was conducted in a spirit of mutual understanding and full cooperation, reflecting the close bond of friendship and cordial relations between the two countries. Both sides affirmed their common aspiration to promote further cooperation and consultation on bilateral, regional and international issues to promote peace, security, stability and prosperity.

            Both Ministers had a fruitful discussion on strengthening bilateral relations between Singapore and the United Arab Emirates and on deepening cross-regional cooperation. The Ministers also had a frank exchange of views on developments in the Middle East and Asia as well as on multilateral issues. 

          After exchanging views on various issues of bilateral cooperation, both sides agreed on the following:

I.                  BILATERAL COOPERATION

1.1     The Ministers reaffirmed the excellent G-to-G cooperation across a wide-range of sectors, strong trade and business linkages and extensive people-to-people ties between the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. The Ministers also agreed that both sides would continue to expand the scope of bilateral cooperation in areas such as environment, law enforcement, tourism, education, innovation, legal cooperation, financial services, urban planning, promoting tolerance, and countering extremism and terrorism.

Technical Assistance

1.2     Both sides noted discussions on exploring cooperation between the Foreign Ministries in the area of technical assistance and capacity building. Both sides agreed to share experiences in the field of technical assistance.

International Organizations

1.3     Both sides noted with satisfaction the existing excellent cooperation on international candidatures and looked forward to continue working together closely at the United Nations and other multilateral fora.

Cooperation between Diplomatic Academies

1.4     A partnership between Emirates Diplomatic Academy and the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Academy with the goal of enhancing collaboration and exchanges between the two institutions within their fields of competence. The objectives of this partnership are to (i) exchange information on programs and activities in the field of diplomatic training, (ii) exchange visits by the relevant staff to discuss the training and development of diplomats and sharing of best practices in these areas, (iii) consult on the possibility of offering opportunities for diplomats to participate in programs organized by either party, and (iv) support and promote each party’s brand as a partner.

II.               ECONOMIC, TRADE AND FINANCE

Trade and Investment

2.1     The Ministers recognised that bilateral business and commercial linkages constitute key drivers of the wide-ranging United Arab Emirates-Singapore relationship.  In line with the theme of  “Singapore and the United Arab Emirates: Cross-Regional Hubs”, the Ministers agreed that the United Arab Emirates could be a base for Singapore companies to expand into the Middle East; and Singapore as a base for UAE companies to expand to Asia. Both Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (GSFTA) in supporting the businesses and companies to access economic opportunities in both regions. Both parties will also use the Abu Dhabi – Singapore Joint Forum to explore new opportunities and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s links and partnerships with Singapore companies.

2.2     Both sides acknowledged the increase in trade between both countries since the signing of the GSFTA. Emirates Standardization and Metrology Authority (ESMA) invited the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) to participate in the International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF), which is an initiative to globalize the Halal industry and facilitate trade. MUIS thanked ESMA for the invitation and would give it due consideration. ESMA and MUIS agree to continue cooperation on Halal standards to facilitate trade between the UAE and Singapore.

2.3     The Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Singapore Business Federation agreed to explore the feasibility of a UAE – Singapore Business Council.

2.4     The representative of the UAE Ministry of Economy had conveyed to International Enterprise Singapore the following publications for information:

1. Book: “UAE Imports and Exports Guide”

2. CD: “Why UAE: Investors Guide to the UAE”.

Finance

2.5     The Joint Committee welcomed the signing of an Innovation Functions Cooperation Agreement between the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The Agreement provides a framework to foster greater cooperation in Financial Technology (FinTech), which includes exploring potential joint innovation projects and helping innovative businesses in Singapore and Abu Dhabi in their forays to the respective markets.

2.6     The Financial Intelligence Unit of Singapore, Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office, and the Financial Intelligence Unit of the UAE, Anti-Money Laundering and Suspicious Cases Unit, welcomed opportunities to explore cooperation in the exchange of financial intelligence to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in line with the new Egmont Charter and Financial Action Task Force Recommendation 40. Both sides looked forward to further discussions in these areas.

III.           COOPERATION IN COUNTER-EXTREMISM AND PROMOTING SOCIAL HARMONY

3.1     The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Rabdan Academy (RA), and Hedayah the International Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (Hedayah) welcomed opportunities for cooperation and collaboration in joint research, workshops and conferences.

3.2     These collaborative partnerships will include visits by and exchange of staff for research, training and sharing of best practices including but not limited to countering violent extremism, building societal resilience and research on defence and security. RSIS, RA and Hedayah further welcomed the exchange of information including, but not limited to, specialist research and publications.

IV.           HEALTH COOPERATION

4.1     The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Singapore Ministry of Health noted the ongoing and continuous cooperation between both countries in the field of healthcare. Both sides agreed to further exchange experiences and best practices in providing quality health care service.

V.               SECURITY COOPERATION

5.1     The UAE Ministry of Interior and the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs agreed to continue with bilateral cooperation on law enforcement.

VI.           ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION

6.1     The Joint Committee welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Environmental Protection and Climate Change between the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Singapore Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, which was signed in February 2017.  The MOU identified environmental protection, climate change and sustainable development issues of mutual interest to both countries and established a mechanism through which the parties can pursue cooperative efforts in those areas. The MOU was also a reaffirmation of the close bilateral relations between the two countries. A preparatory meeting was convened on the Plan of Action (POA) by both parties.

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Agriculture and Food Security

6.2     The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Singapore Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) welcomed opportunities to explore cooperation in agriculture and food security. The cooperation could include sharing of policies, best practices, and technologies in the areas of sustainable agricultural production, food processing and food safety.

Veterinary Standards

6.3     The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and AVA agreed to share information on the requirements and procedures for the import/export of domestic pets.

Water

6.4     The UAE Ministry of Energy and the Singapore Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources noted the challenges and opportunities in the area of water management and agreed to explore cooperation in the areas of desalination and water recycling.

VII.        JUDICIAL AND LEGAL COOPERATION

7.1     On behalf of their respective Chief Justices, Justice Quentin Loh, Judge of the Supreme Court of Singapore, and Lord Mark Saville of Newdigate PC, Judge of Abu Dhabi Global Markets Courts, signed a MOU for Judicial Cooperation to allow for regular exchanges of experiences and discussions on matters including judicial systems and reforms, court technology, training and research, and trends in dispute resolution.

7.2     Extending from the MOU on Judicial Cooperation, the two judges further signed a Memorandum of Guidance (MOG) as to Enforcement of Money Judgments.  The MOG concerns judgments that require a person to pay a sum of money to another person (i.e. money judgment), and sets out the requirements and procedures for enforcing these judgments between the two courts.  It provides clarity to parties on how they may apply to the court to enforce a money judgment and collect monies outstanding.  With the growth of trade and investments globally involving UAE and Singapore, an increase in numbers and complexity of transnational disputes is likely.  Both sides agreed that the MOG would lend clarity and comfort to businesses seeking effective resolution of commercial disputes that require enforcement of money judgments in the other’s courts. This is the case for the Singapore International Commercial Court, whose primary purpose is adjudicating international commercial disputes, and for ADGM Courts, whose purpose is to provide a fully independent common law framework within an international financial centre for the adjudication of civil and commercial disputes.

Follow-up

          Both sides agreed to designate their respective Embassies to follow-up and review the progress of the areas of bilateral cooperation identified at the Joint Committee on a quarterly basis (i.e. every three months).  The two parties agreed to work on the basis of an appropriate follow-up matrix regularly updated by the respective Embassies to ensure that there is proper monitoring of the implementation process before the next Joint Committee. 

Date and Venue for the Next Meeting

The two parties agreed that the next session of the Joint Committee would be held in Singapore on dates to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels.

Done and signed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on the 8^th day of March 2017 in two original texts both in English language.

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