MFA Press Statement: Working Visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs, UAE, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan co-chaired the inaugural Singapore-United Arab Emirates Joint Committee (SUJC) with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K Shanmugam this morning. 

Under the theme of “Singapore & UAE – Cross-regional Hubs Connecting Asia and the Middle East”, the Ministers had a fruitful discussion on areas of bilateral cooperation between Singapore and the UAE.  The Ministers noted that there was scope for closer cooperation between our two countries as complementary strategic hubs in our respective regions.  Minister Shanmugam welcomed the UAE’s interest in learning from Singapore’s developmental experience.  The Ministers also witnessed the signing of four agreements; a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Bilateral Consultations between both Foreign Ministries, a MOU on Cultural Cooperation, a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Singapore Business Federation, as well as the Second Protocol Amending the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income. The text of the Joint Communique of the SUJC is appended. 

Sheikh Abdullah called separately on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as well as Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean.  During Sheikh Abdullah’s meetings with our leaders, they reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties and potential for greater cooperation.  They also discussed regional issues of mutual interest, including the importance of addressing the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) on all countries, and efforts to stem the radicalisation of individuals.

Sheikh Abdullah also visited the Resource and Counselling Centre (RCC) of the Religious Rehabilitation Group at Khadijah Mosque where he received a briefing on the work of the RCC. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

31 OCTOBER 2014

JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ

FIRST SINGAPORE-UNITED ARAB EMIRATES JOINT COMMITTEE

31 OCTOBER 2014

SINGAPORE

1.            Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law of the Republic of Singapore K Shanmugam and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan co-chaired the inaugural Singapore-United Arab Emirates Joint Committee (SUJC) in Singapore on 31 October 2014.  They had a fruitful discussion on strengthening bilateral relations between Singapore and the United Arab Emirates and deepening cross-regional cooperation, under the theme of “Singapore and the United Arab Emirates - Cross-regional Hubs Connecting Asia and the Middle East”.  The Ministers also had a frank exchange of views on developments in Asia and the Middle East as well as on multilateral issues. 

2.            The Ministers affirmed the robust partnership between both countries, based on mutual respect, a shared strategic vision for national development, and underpinned by excellent personal relations between leaders and senior officials.  As globally competitive states with small populations, Singapore and the UAE face common challenges and share many affinities and mutual interests.  There is much both sides can learn from each other’s experiences as open, moderate and cosmopolitan hubs in their respective regions.  The SUJC provided a timely opportunity to review bilateral relations across the board in anticipation of the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in May 2015.  The Ministers agreed that both sides should continue to expand the scope of bilateral cooperation in areas such as e-government, water and infrastructure development, renewable energy, law enforcement, telecommunications, culture, and transportation. 

Political Relations

3.            The Ministers welcomed the healthy level of exchanges between both countries which would be further strengthened by the SUJC.  They witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding establishing Bilateral Consultations between both Foreign Ministries, which will allow for regular exchanges on issues of common concern to help deepen mutual understanding and to share perspectives on joint challenges.  

Consular Relations

4.            The Ministries noted the discussions on exploring consular cooperation between both Foreign Ministries in the areas of consular crisis management, training of consular officers, and diplomatic aircraft clearances.

Economic Relations

5.            Both Ministers welcomed the entry into force of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (GSFTA) and Singapore-UAE Investment Guarantee Agreement as excellent platforms to deepen economic cooperation.  In line with the theme of “Singapore and the United Arab Emirates - Cross-regional Hubs Connecting Asia and the Middle East”, companies could leverage Singapore as a base to expand into Asia, and the United Arab Emirates as a base to expand into the Middle East.  The United Arab Emirates has been Singapore’s largest trading partner in the Middle East since 2012, and is Singapore’s largest source of investment from the Middle East.  The Ministers agreed to continue supporting companies and businesses to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities in both regions, and explore potential opportunities in the oil, gas and petrochemicals sector.  Both the Ministry of Economy of the UAE and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore also agreed to regular exchanges of information and training.  The Parties agreed to continue the exchange of information, expertise and know-how in the fields of clean energy and energy efficiency.  The Ministers agreed that Dubai Expo 2020 will serve as a catalyst connecting minds around the world and inspiring participants to mobilise around shared challenges. 

6.            Both sides agreed to continue exchanging views and relevant experiences on ports management and the industrial zones sector.

7.            Under the framework of the Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum, both Parties agreed to explore new opportunities and strengthen Mubadala’s links and partnerships with Singaporean corporations and entities participating in the SUJC. 

Cooperation in Finance

8.            The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Singapore and the Ministry of Finance of the United Arab Emirates welcomed the signing of the Second Protocol Amending the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income. 

Cooperation between Chambers of Commerce and Industry

9.            The Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Singapore Business Federation welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation Agreement between both Parties.

Cooperation in the Field of Culture

10.          The Ministers witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to forge closer cultural cooperation between both governments.  Both Ministers agreed to encourage closer people-to-people links through tourism and the arts so as to better understand each other.  They noted the strong air connectivity linking Singapore and the UAE. 

Cooperation in Sports

11.          The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth welcomes opportunities to explore cooperation in mutually beneficial sports initiatives with the UAE General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare.  Both sides look forward to further discussions.

Legal Cooperation

12.          Both sides discussed areas of legal cooperation and agreed to continue sharing experiences on legal issues of mutual interest.

2^nd SUJC

13.         The Ministers looked forward to the 2^nd SUJC to be held in the United Arab Emirates.  The date will be agreed through diplomatic channels.

Signed in Singapore on 31 October 2014, in two originals in English.