MFA Press Statement: Visit to Singapore by Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, 8 to 13 January 2017

       Singapore is hosting a study visit by 11 Permanent Representatives to the United Nations from 8 to 13 January 2017 under the 4^th Forum of Small States (FOSS) Fellowship Programme.  The FOSS, founded by Singapore in 1992, is an informal platform at the United Nations that brings together states with populations under ten million to exchange views on issues of common interests.  Celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year, the FOSS currently has 107 member states.  The objective of the FOSS Fellowship Programme, launched in 2015, is to foster closer cooperation among FOSS states.  Under the Fellowship Programme, the Permanent Representatives will have opportunities to exchange views on development challenges with Singapore’s leaders and policy makers.

      The 4^th FOSS Fellowship Programme is attended by the Permanent Representatives of Albania, Guyana, Jamaica, Liberia, Nauru, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, and Zambia, which are members of the FOSS.  Singapore is also pleased that the Permanent Representatives of Mozambique, South Africa, and the Permanent Observer of Palestine are participating in the 4^th Fellowship Programme as “Friends of FOSS”.  The Permanent Representatives were hosted to lunch by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan earlier today.  They discussed the importance of the United Nations and working together on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

     The Permanent Representatives also met Minister for Environment and Water Resources Mr Masagos Zulkifli, and Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Transport Mrs Josephine Teo.  The study visit includes briefings by the various agencies on Singapore’s approach towards sustainable development in areas such as urban planning, water and sanitation, maritime affairs, civil aviation, governance, and education, as well as visits to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Gardens by the Bay and the National Gallery. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

11 JANUARY 2017