US, Singapore enhance relations
19
January
SINGAPORE: The first United States-Singapore
Strategic Partners Dialogue took place in Washington DC on
Wednesday.
It was co-chaired by Singapore Ministry of Foreign
Affairs Permanent Secretary Bilahari Kausikan and US Assistant
Secretary of State Kurt Campbell.
A joint statement by the partners said the dialogue
served to enhance further US-Singapore relations and marked a new
development in the strategic partnership.
The co-chairs reviewed initiatives already and
sought new areas to expand cooperation in bilateral, regional, and
global matters of joint interest.
The co-chairs reviewed bilateral areas of engagement
including security, defence, education, trade and
environment.
They discussed recent developments in Southeast
Asia, Northeast Asia and regional institutions such as ASEAN, East
Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC).
They also reviewed regional initiatives including
the Trans-Pacific Partnership, where they renewed their commitment
to complete a high standard, 21st century agreement with the other
participating countries.
Both co-chairs also expressed interest in
establishing joint technical assistance training programmes for
developing countries including in the lower Mekong sub-region to
help build capacity, narrow the development gap, and deepen
regional integration.
They affirmed the importance of freedom of
navigation, and lawful, unimpeded commerce, respect for
international law, and the peaceful settlement of
disputes.
The co-chairs also had further dialogue on areas of
global cooperation including Afghanistan and Iraq.
The co-chairs noted the constructive nature of the
strategic dialogue and areas of immediate follow-up and preparation
for the upcoming ministerial meeting between US Secretary of State
Clinton and Singapore Foreign Minister K
Shanmugam.
They discussed the upcoming Singapore Conference in
Washington, DC.
- CNA/cc
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