Minister K Shanmugam meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah (top left), Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela (top right), Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi (middle right), Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Poposki (middle left) and Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj. [Photos: MFA]Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam, who is in New York for the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), signed today with UNDP Administrator Helen Clark an agreement establishing a Global Centre for Public Service Excellence in Singapore dedicated to policy research and the global exchange of knowledge and information on public service policies, strategies and institutions. Minister Shanmugam also met his counterparts from Macedonia, Iran, Oman, Colombia and Kosovo.
With Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Poposki, Minister Shanmugam discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations, as well as the common challenges facing small, open economies. In particular, the two ministers spoke about the importance of investments in public infrastructure, in education, and in good governance.
With Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, Minister Shanmugam discussed cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and shared Singapore’s concern that solutions based on international law be found to issues of international concern.
Minister Shanmugam and Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah discussed the excellent and growing relations between Singapore and the Sultanate of Oman, and welcomed the inauguration of Muscat Street on 8 November 2012. They also exchanged views on regional developments.
Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin and Minister Shanmugam spoke positively of the potential of stepping up bilateral exchanges between Singapore and Colombia, and shared ideas on building stronger ties between Asia and Latin America.
With Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj, Minister Shanmugam discussed Kosovo’s unique challenges, and affirmed Singapore’s commitment to maintaining good lines of communication with Kosovo officials.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
26 SEPTEMBER 2012