Minister K Shanmugam makes introductory visit to Qatar

SINGAPORE - Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam called on His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar during his visit to Doha on February 23.

This is Minister Shanmugam's introductory visit to Qatar as part of Singapore's efforts to strengthen relations with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and also part of a regional tour that would include Iran.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim and Minister Shanmugam reaffirmed the warm and friendly ties between Singapore and Qatar, which were underpinned by the Qatar-Singapore High Level Joint Committee (HLJC), regular high-level exchanges and strong economic cooperation.

Both the Emir and Minister Shanmugam expressed commitment to the HLJC process and agreed that the two countries should continue to look for ways to further enhance bilateral ties. Minister Shanmugam also conveyed an invitation to His Highness Sheikh Tamim on behalf of President Tony Tan Keng Yam for the Emir to make a State Visit to Singapore.

Minister Shanmugam also called on Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Qatar.

Sheikh Abdullah and Minister Shanmugam discussed the outcome of the 6th HLJC, which was co-chaired by Sheikh Abdullah and DPM Teo Chee Hean and held in Singapore in November 2013.

They agreed that the two sides should work closely to implement existing agreements and to prepare for the 7th HLJC, which would be held in Qatar later this year. They also exchanged views on ways to further develop bilateral cooperation.

Minister Shanmugam also met Dr Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. Both Ministers reaffirmed the close and longstanding friendship between the two countries. They also discussed ways to enhance the cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries and exchanged views on international developments.