Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan called on Prime Minister Hun Sen this afternoon. They reaffirmed the warm and longstanding ties between Singapore and Cambodia, and committed to further strengthening bilateral cooperation as both countries work towards post-COVID-19 recovery. Minister Balakrishnan congratulated Prime Minister Hun Sen on Cambodia’s successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two years. Prime Minister Hun Sen welcomed the growing economic linkages and encouraged more Singapore investments, particularly in infrastructure and cold-chain logistics. Prime Minister Hun Sen also expressed appreciation for Singapore’s support of Cambodia’s capacity building and human resource development.
Minister Balakrishnan reaffirmed Singapore’s support for Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. Prime Minister Hun Sen and Minister Balakrishnan had a wide-ranging discussion on developments in the region. They hoped to see further progress on the negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. They also agreed it was important to foster more trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. Prime Minister Hun Sen looked forward to the early resumption of safe travel in the region and the ASEAN arrangements to support that.
Minister Balakrishnan said that Singapore remained deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar. The lack of progress in the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus since its adoption by ASEAN Leaders and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on 24 April 2021 is disappointing. Prime Minister Hun Sen and Minister Balakrishnan agreed that the current arrangements for Myanmar to be represented at the non-political level at ASEAN meetings should continue. They emphasised the need for the Myanmar military authorities to swiftly and fully implement the Five-Point Consensus. If there is significant progress on the Five-Point Consensus, ASEAN will review the arrangements. Minister Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s support for the appointment of the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar and for him to meet with all parties concerned. Prime Minister Hun Sen and Minister Balakrishnan agreed that ASEAN’s full agenda should not be held hostage by the situation in Myanmar.
Minister Balakrishnan also met Minister of Environment Say Samal. During their meeting on 15 February 2022, they discussed ways to identify new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in sustainable development and tackling climate change.
Minister Balakrishnan met Chairman of the National Assembly Commission on Education, Youth, Sports, Religion, Culture and Tourism Hun Many this morning. They discussed youth concerns on climate change, social inequality and access to good jobs.
Minister Balakrishnan attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat Welcome Dinner hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn in the evening.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
16 FEBRUARY 2022
Photo Caption: Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s call on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on 16 February 2022
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Photo Caption: Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on 16 February 2022
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Photo Caption: Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s meeting withMinister of Environment Say Samal on 15 February 2022
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Photo Caption: Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s meeting withChairman of the National Assembly Commission on Education, Youth, Sports, Religion, Culture and Tourism Hun Many on 16 February 2022
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
