In response to media queries on Australia’s loan of koalas to Singapore, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam said:
“I was delighted to learn that Australia will be loaning four koalas to Singapore this year. The loan comes at a special moment for Singapore as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our independence, and as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Australia. Australia’s decision to entrust four of its cherished national icons to Singapore underscores the deep friendship between both countries. The conclusion of the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership later this year will help bring our already-close bilateral relations to a new level.
I would like to express my appreciation to Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, who played a key role in Australia’s decision to loan the koalas. I would also like to thank the Australian Government, the Australian High Commission in Singapore, Qantas, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Wildlife Reserves Singapore for their important roles in making this possible.”
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
9 APRIL 2015