Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K Shanmugam, who is in New York for the 66th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, attended the Green Group Ministerial Meeting on 23 September 2011. He also met his counterparts from Gabon, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Latvia, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea, and Belgium.
During the Green Group Ministerial Meeting, representatives from Singapore, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand, Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates discussed environmental issues such as climate change, water scarcity and initiatives, renewable energy and sustainable development.
Minster Shanmugam and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, Francophony and Regional Integration of Gabon Mr Paul Toungui reviewed economic relations between Gabon and Singapore and explored ways to further strengthen them.
UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan briefed Minister Shanmugam on recent developments in the Middle East.
During his meeting with Minister Shanmugam, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Girts Valdis Kristovskis expressed his country's interest in increasing its economic engagement of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Minister Shanmugam and Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Olugbenga Ashiru agreed to promote more economic cooperation between Nigeria and Singapore.
Minister Shanmugam and Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) Lord Howell of Guildford exchanged views on the role and future of the Commonwealth.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration of Papua New Guinea Mr Ano Pala and Minister Shanmugam discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between their countries.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Institutional Reforms Mr Steven Vanackere and Minister Shanmugam agreed to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation between Belgium and Singapore.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
24 SEPTEMBER 2011