On Thursday 14th March, the II Meeting of Political Consultations with the Republic of Singapore was held in Buenos Aires, during which the two foreign ministries jointly analyzed the bilateral agenda and laid the groundwork for progress in its deepening and enlargement, in a year that is expected to be a new stage of the relationship. Argentinean delegation was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Pedro Villagra Delgado, while the delegation of Singapore was headed by the Second Permanent Secretary, Albert Chua.
During the meeting, both delegations highlighted the excellent level of bilateral relations, the willingness to continue to narrow and expand areas of mutual interest, cultural exchanges, bilateral trade, investment and coordination in multilateral forums. Regarding the possibilities of strengthening ties in technical cooperation, Singapore proposed the signing of a memorandum of understanding and extended a first draft to be negotiated by both sides.
Argentina also took the opportunity to reaffirm its interest in increasing its presence in Southeast Asia. In this regard, both delegations celebrated the reopening of the Embassy of the ArgentineRepublic in Singapore, ordered by President Macri on February 17 through Decree 116/2017, as well as the willingness of Argentina to adhere to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. They also welcomed the visit of Singaporean Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, which will take place during the first days of April, in which it will be his first visit to Latin America.
Argentina transmitted to the Singapore delegation the guidelines for its position about MalvinasIslands, which expressed its understanding.
On the other hand, both delegations welcomed the recent appointment of an Honorary Consul General of Singapore in Argentina.
Finally, visions were exchanged on issues on the international agenda, as well as perspectives for the Argentine presidency of the G20 and the organization of the next WTO ministerial meeting which will be held in Buenos Aires between on 11 and 14 December 2017.
During his visit to the country, Vice Chancellor Albert Chua also held a meeting with the Minister Susana Malcorra and his Chief of Staff, Marcos Stancanelli, as well as a meeting with the Secretary of International Economic Relations, Ambassador Horacio Reyser Travers, with a view to Strengthen trade and investment relations.}
Date: March 15, 2017
Source: http://www.mrecic.gov.ar/la-argentina-y-singapur-celebran-la-ii-reunion-de-consultas-politicas-en-una-nueva-etapa-de-la
