1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong spoke on the phone with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan on April 13, and the two Ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations, ROK-ASEAN cooperation, and the regional situation.

2. The two Ministers took note that Korea and Singapore have continued substantive cooperation in areas of mutual interest including infrastructure construction and the digital economy, and Minister Chung hoped for Singapore’s close cooperation in implementing the New Southern Policy this year.

3. In addition, the two Ministers shared their in-depth views on regional and global current issues, and agreed to continue close communication.

o Regarding the latest developments in Myanmar, the two Ministers expressed deep concern over the loss of numerous civilian lives and reaffirmed their support for ASEAN’s central role in peacefully addressing the current situation in Myanmar.

o Minister Chung explained the Korean government’s efforts to achieve complete denuclearization and establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, and Minister Balakrishnan voiced hope for resumption of inter-Korean interactions while expressing support for a peaceful resolution of Korean Peninsula issues.

4. Regarding the decision of the government of Japan on April 13 to release the contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean, Minister Chung mentioned that the decision can have direct or indirect impacts on the safety of the Korean people and surrounding environment, and shared Korea’s deep concern with Singapore.