US encouraged to continue economic engagement with S-E Asia: Vivian in first call with Rubio

SINGAPORE - The US is encouraged to continue growing its economic engagement with South-east Asia, while also strengthening cooperation with Asean.

The remarks by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were made to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their first telephone call on March 5, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

In a statement on March 6, MFA said Dr Balakrishnan had congratulated Mr Rubio on his appointment during the call, in which the two reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relationship between Singapore and the US, especially in the economy and defence.

During the call, both men noted that the US is the largest foreign investor in Singapore, while the Republic is the third-largest Asian investor in the US.

“Since the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement came into force in 2004, bilateral trade has increased significantly and continues to do so,” the statement said.

A separate statement by the US Department of State added that there was discussion on “maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea”, as well as collaborations in several fields, including energy and emerging technologies, as both men discussed regional and global challenges, and opportunities.

“The officials expressed shared commitment to prioritising economic growth in both countries, and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen bilateral security ties for the benefit of Americans, Singaporeans and all others across the region,” said US Department of State spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.

During their call, MFA said they brought up how US President Donald Trump, during his first term, along with then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, signed the extension of a memorandum of understanding undertaken in 1990 that allowed US ships and planes to deploy through the Republic’s facilities.

In the call, Dr Balakrishnan also thanked the US for providing access to technology and training opportunities, as both men said they looked forward to continuing the US-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technology Dialogue, the ministry added.