The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith, Minister for Defence John Faulkner and Minster for Trade Simon Crean were in Singapore today to attend the Sixth Meeting of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC). The Singapore side was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo and Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang.
The six Ministers had a substantive exchange over an informal breakfast before proceeding for the SAJMC meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the Ministers noted that bilateral relations were strong on all fronts and expressed support for the new bilateral initiatives endorsed in the Joint Communiqué. The Ministers agreed that the SAJMC played an important and useful role in fostering greater understanding and cooperation between Australia and Singapore.
Following the SAJMC meeting, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong hosted the Ministers and their delegations to lunch at the Istana. Over lunch, Senior Minister Goh and the Ministers exchanged views on developments in the region and the current challenges facing the two countries.
In the afternoon, the Australian Ministers made a joint call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Both sides reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations and the importance of strengthening cooperation both on the bilateral front and at regional and multilateral fora. They also discussed international developments including the global financial crisis.