Bilateral relations, latest security and foreign policy developments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, cooperation in international fora, in the United Nations and as part of dialogue between the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – those were the main topics that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, discussed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan, and the Minister of Defence, Ng Eng Hen, during her working visit to Singapore.
The two foreign ministers underlined the need to respect the principles of the UN Charter, in particular as regards the prohibition of aggression, and territorial integrity. Singapore has made clear its attitude towards Russia’s war against Ukraine by denouncing aggression and massive human rights abuses.
Baiba Braže thanked Singapore for its support to Ukraine. The officials were unanimous on this being a contribution to strengthening global security, in view of the close link between the European and the Indo-Pacific security area. “We, Latvia and Singapore, as small countries, appreciate independence, sovereignty and security every single day, and we are aware that these values must be fought for on a daily basis and must be invested in.”
Baiba Braže invited Vivian Balakrishnan to pay a working visit to Latvia, and the Singaporean Foreign Minister accepted the invitation. Baiba Braže also urged the Foreign Minister of Singapore to appoint an ambassador to Latvia.
Baiba Braže highlighted Latvia’s interests in promoting economic cooperation with Singapore, especially in the field of technologies, given a successful functioning of the Digital Partnership Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Singapore.
“Due to Singapore’s strategic location, advanced economy and financial sector, it is an important player in the Southeast Asian region, and Latvia will continue to strengthen both bilateral relations with Singapore and the EU-Singapore relations. Latvia is currently cooperating with Singapore, mainly in the defence, cultural, education and economic sectors. In future, we want to expand contacts, reinforce trade links and increase trade volumes. Cooperation between the two countries in international organisations is also of strategic importance, including to promote a global understanding that the rules and principles based on the UN Charter are essential and binding on all countries.”
In a meeting with the Head of the EU Delegation to Singapore, Iwona Piórko, Baiba Braže exchanged views on developments in the EU–Singapore relations, including joint efforts towards the fullest possible application of the EU–Singapore Partnership and Cooperation Agreement through promoting cooperation in areas such as energy, education and culture, fighting crime, interoperability, science and technology.
Further information / facts
- Diplomatic relations with the Republic of Singapore were established on 9 June 1992.
- Singapore is a founding Member of ASEAN. Singapore takes an important role in promoting regional integration, addressing economic cooperation and security issues. Singapore actively supports regional stability and sustainable development, serving as a bridge between ASEAN and the global community.
- Normans Penke has been serving as Latvia’s non-resident Ambassador to Singapore since 2018.
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže is on a working visit in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Republic of Korea
