MFA Press Statement: Official Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam to the United Arab Emirates (20 to 21 May 2013)

              Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam met and was hosted to dinner by His Highness Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 20 May 2013.  Both leaders agreed that bilateral ties were excellent and there was scope to widen our cooperation.  Minister Shanmugam welcomed the UAE’s interest to learn from Singapore’s developmental experience.  Minister Shanmugam and Sheikh Abdulla agreed on the importance of tackling religious extremism and to promote inter-religious harmony.  They also had a useful exchange of views on regional developments in the Middle East.   

             Minister Shanmugam and Sheikh Abdulla signed the Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Singapore-UAE Joint Committee which will provide an important mechanism to promote cooperation with the UAE at the federal level. 

             In Abu Dhabi, Minister Shanmugam also met Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Development and International Cooperation, on 21 May 2013.  Minister Shanmugam welcomed UAE officials to participate in the Singapore Cooperation Programme and agreed to explore opportunities in Third Country Technical Programme collaboration.  Following his meeting, Minister was hosted to lunch by His Excellency Dr Hadef Bin Jua'an Al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice.  Minister Shanmugam welcomed study visits by UAE officials to look at Singapore’s e-Justice system, and briefed Dr Al Dhaheri on Singapore’s growing role as an international arbitration centre. 

              In Dubai, Minister Shanmugam met His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and was updated on developments in Dubai, which has a sizeable community of Singaporeans.

              Minister departs the UAE for Singapore this evening. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

21 MAY 2013