Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan visited Washington D.C., USA, from 14 to 17 May 2019. During his visit, Minister Balakrishnan met Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Advisor John Bolton, key Members of Congress, as well as a range of prominent US personalities.
Minister Balakrishnan had wide-ranging discussions with both Secretary Pompeo and National Security Advisor Bolton today. They affirmed the excellent and longstanding ties between Singapore and the US, and welcomed the progress made in deepening cooperation in the areas of defence, trade and investment, infrastructure development and cybersecurity. Discussions also touched on regional and international developments, with Minister Balakrishnan highlighting the importance of the US’ continued engagement in the region, including through ASEAN.
Minister Balakrishnan also had several meetings with key Members of Congress including Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) Chairman Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey), SFRC Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy Chairman Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) and Ranking Member Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Subcommittee on Seapower Chairman David Perdue (R-Georgia), SASC Subcommittee on Airland Ranking Member Angus King (I-Maine), SFRC Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-New York). The Members of Congress expressed their appreciation for the multifaceted and robust US-Singapore relationship and their support for the US’ continued engagement of the region. In this regard, Minister Balakrishnan expressed appreciation for the Congress’ initiatives including the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA) and Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act, which would enhance the US’ presence in the region. Minister hosted a reception for Congressional Singapore Caucus Members led by co-chairs Congressmen Denny Heck (D-Washington) and Bradley Bryne (R-Alabama) where he thanked the 60-member Caucus for their strong support for the strengthening of US-Singapore relations.
Minister Balakrishnan departs for Singapore tomorrow.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
16 May 2019
Photo: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, 16 May 2019
Photo: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s meeting with US National Security Advisor John Bolton, 16 May 2019
