SINGAPORE – Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan and his US counterpart Antony Blinken discussed Asean cooperation, Covid-19, climate change and Myanmar situation on Wednesday (Feb 10) as they reaffirmed bilateral ties in a telephone call.
Dr Balakrishnan congratulated Mr Blinken on his appointment as Secretary of State.
“They reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding relations between Singapore and the United States, and the strong and growing cooperation in defence and security, as well as in trade and investment.
“They also agreed to collaborate closely on the global response to Covid-19 and climate change,” Singapore’s ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement.
Dr Balakrishnan welcomed the Biden administration’s efforts to engage with the region and strengthen cooperation with Asean and other regional partners.
“They also agreed to collaborate closely on the global response to Covid-19 and climate change,” the statement added.
Mr Ned Price, US State Department spokesman said in a separate statement confirming the phone call: “Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Balakrishnan reflected on the enduring friendship and shared interests between our nations.”
“Both emphasised the importance of the US-Singapore security and economic relationship and affirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including through Asean and other multilateral fora,” he added.
They also exchanged views on regional developments, including the situation in Myanmar, the statements said.
Protests resumed on the streets of Myanmar for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday despite a set of nationwide restrictions including a curfew imposed by the military government from Monday night.
The US along with the United Nations had criticised the use of force against protesters, who had marched against the military’s seizure of power on Feb 1 from de factor leader Aung San Suu kyi and her political party.
