In response to media queries on a Fars News Agency report “Singaporean Minister Blasts Anti-Iran Sanctions for Troubling Ties”, dated 30 November 2014, the MFA Spokesman said:
“The Fars News Agency (FNA) reported that Senior Minister of State (SMS) Masagos Zulkifli had “voiced regret over the limitations” imposed by international sanctions, and that Singapore wanted “all-out relations” with Iran during the meeting with the Chairman of the Iran-Singapore Parliamentary Friendship Group on 26 November 2014. The report also quoted Minister K Shanmugam as saying that the current conditions faced by Iran were “highly bitter and undesirable”.
The FNA report and quotes are factually incorrect and misrepresent the comments by Minister Shanmugam and SMS Masagos. During the discussions, SMS Masagos had urged Iran to seize the opportunity to resolve all outstanding issues with the P5+1 concerning Iran’s nuclear programme. While reaffirming the friendly relations between the two countries, Minister Shanmugam also noted that it was difficult for both sides to step up economic cooperation given the current constraints. Both Minister Shanmugam and SMS Masagos reiterated that an agreement with the P5+1 would be in the interests of Iran and the international community.”
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
2 DECEMBER 2014