Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr Guido Westerwelle, who is visiting Singapore from 8 to 10 February 2013, called on Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law Mr K Shanmugam this morning.
Both Ministers reaffirmed the special partnership between the two countries, particularly since the signing of the German-Singapore Enhanced Partnership in 1998 and the Joint Declaration between PM Lee Hsien Loong and Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2005. Minister Shanmugam noted that relations between Germany and Singapore had broadened and deepened across many fields, and that Germany was Singapore’s top trading partner in the European Union (EU) and our fourth largest EU investor. The Ministers agreed that there was potential for both countries to further strengthen relations.
Minister Westerwelle said that Germany had made a policy decision to step up its engagement of Singapore and the region. Minister Westerwelle expressed Germany’s strong support for free trade and noted that this was a key priority for Europe to boost economic growth. In this context, Minister Westerwelle welcomed the conclusion of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and saw it as a pathfinder towards a broader FTA between the EU and the other ASEAN countries. The Ministers also exchanged views on regional developments in Europe and Asia.
Following the meeting, the Ministers took a walk around the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest at the Gardens by the Bay. Minister Shanmugam also hosted Minister Westerwelle and his delegation to lunch. Minister Westerwelle leaves for Indonesia on Sunday morning.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
9 FEBRUARY 2013
Introductory remarks by Ministers at doorstop (9 Feb 2013)
Doorstop with Minister Shanmugam (9 Feb 2013)