Media Note
Washington, DC
January 18, 2012
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Following is the text of a joint statement by the United States and Singapore issued on January 18, 2012, in Washington,
D.C.
Begin Text:
Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Bilahari Kausikan and United States Assistant Secretary of
State Kurt Campbell met in Washington, D.C. on January 18, 2012 to co-chair the first United States-Singapore Strategic
Partners Dialogue. The dialogue served to enhance further bilateral relations between the United States and Singapore
and marked a new development in the countries’ strategic partnership. The co-chairs, in the spirit of equal partnership,
mutual respect and desire to promote close cooperation, reviewed an already robust array of initiatives undertaken
between the two countries and sought new areas to create and expand cooperation in bilateral, regional, and global
matters of joint interest.
The co-chairs reviewed bilateral areas of engagement including security, defense, education, trade and environment. The
co-chairs discussed recent developments in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and regional institutions such as the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC). The two also reviewed regional initiatives including the Trans-Pacific Partnership where
they renewed their commitment to complete a high standard, 21st Century agreement with the other participating
countries. Both co-chairs expressed interest in establishing joint technical assistance training programs for developing
countries including in the lower Mekong sub-region to help build capacity, narrow the development gap, and deepen
regional integration. They affirmed the importance of freedom of navigation, and lawful, unimpeded commerce, respect for
international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The co-chairs had further dialogue on areas of global
cooperation including Afghanistan and Iraq.
The co-chairs noted the constructive nature of the strategic dialogue and areas of immediate follow-up and preparation
for the upcoming ministerial meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Clinton and Singapore Foreign Minister K.
Shanmugam. The co-chairs discussed the upcoming Singapore Conference to be held in Washington, D.C. that will bring
several of Singapore’s ministers to Washington including Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam, Minister of Education Heng Swee
Keat and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister of Trade and Industry and Second Minister for Home
Affairs S. Iswaran. Both sides noted the robust level of high-level visits between the two countries. Assistant
Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Thomas Countryman visits Singapore January 19-20.
Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro will visit the Singapore Air Show in
February. U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary David Sandalow will visit Singapore in February. The United
States looks forward to sending a high level delegation to the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore this June. The United
States welcomed the upcoming spring visits of Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen and Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating
Minister for National Security and Minister of Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean.
PRN: 2012/073
ENDS