Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan delivered Singapore’s National Statement during the General Debate of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. In his speech, Minister Balakrishnan stressed the need for a rules-based global order based on the principles of multilateralism, an open global architecture, and inclusive economic growth. Minister Balakrishnan welcomed the UN’s role as a catalyst for peace and development, and underlined the important role of the UN as a platform for countries to work together to find solutions to complex emerging challenges. The full transcript of Minister Balakrishnan’s speech can be found here: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/media_centre/press_room/pr/2017/201709/press_20170924.html
At the sidelines of the UNGA, Minister Balakrishnan attended the Informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAMM), where the Ministers had a discussion on regional developments, including the situation in Rakhine State in Myanmar. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the General Assembly Miroslav Lajčák, where they discussed global issues including migration, climate change and countering violent extremism. ASEAN and the UN also discussed ways to work together to implement the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development. In the evening, Minister and Mrs Balakrishnan attended an ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ dinner hosted by the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Cayetano and his wife.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
25 SEPTEMBER 2017