Asean foreign ministers discuss Rakhine crisis, hold talks with UN chief

Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan (fifth from left) and the Asean Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the 72nd Session of the UNGA. PHOTO: MFA

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan attended the Informal Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (IAMM) where the ministers discussed regional developments, including the situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

The Asean foreign ministers also met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and president of the General Assembly Miroslav Lajčák on Saturday (Sept 23), according to Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

"They discussed global issues including migration, climate change and countering violent extremism. Asean and the UN also discussed ways to work together to implement the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development,'' said an MFA statement.

Dr Balakrishnan also delivered Singapore's National Statement during the General Debate of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"In his speech, Minister Balakrishnan stressed the need for a rules-based global order based on the principles of multilateralism, an open global architecture, and inclusive economic growth," said the statement.

He welcomed the UN's role as a catalyst for peace and development, and underlined the important role of the UN as a platform for countries to work together to find solutions to complex emerging challenges, the statement added.

In the evening, Dr Balakrishnan and Mrs Balakrishnan attended an Asean foreign ministers' dinner hosted by the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Cayetano and his wife, said MFA.

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