Wi Sung-lak Meets Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to Discuss Trade and Regional Stability

Wi Sung-lak, head of the National Security Office, met with Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on May 28 during his official visit to South Korea. The two discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and regional and international issues, including the Middle East.

In a press release, the Blue House expressed hope that high-level exchanges would deepen the strategic partnership between South Korea and Singapore, as well as the comprehensive strategic partnership between South Korea and ASEAN.

Wi exchanged views with Balakrishnan on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and received updates on the results of Balakrishnan's recent visit to North Korea on May 26-27. During his trip, Balakrishnan met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui in Pyongyang.

Wi also outlined the South Korean government's efforts for peaceful coexistence and joint growth on the Korean Peninsula, to which Balakrishnan expressed strong support. He particularly acknowledged Singapore's active role in facilitating diplomatic solutions to the Korean Peninsula issue, having hosted the historic U.S.-North Korea summit in 2018, and expressed hope for Singapore's continued constructive involvement in promoting peace on the peninsula.

Regarding the Middle East situation, both sides agreed on the importance of diplomatic efforts to quickly end conflicts and restore regional stability. They also reached a consensus on normalizing the safe and free navigation of vessels in international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.

Furthermore, in light of the rapidly changing global situation and supply chain crises, the two countries committed to maintaining close communication and cooperation, sharing the values of free trade as energy-importing and open economies.