During her working visit to Singapore on September 4, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braže, discussed critical topics with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan, and the Minister of Defence, Ng Eng Hen. These topics included bilateral relations, the latest security and foreign policy developments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, cooperation in international fora, and as part of the dialogue between the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The two foreign ministers emphasised the importance of respecting the principles of the UN Charter, particularly concerning the prohibition of aggression and territorial integrity. Singapore has openly condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, denouncing the aggression and human rights abuses.
Baiba Braže highlighted Latvia’s interests in promoting economic cooperation with Singapore in technologies, given the 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,” said Minister Braže.
“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,” she added.
