National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac met with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who is on an official visit to Korea, on Tuesday and agreed to support diplomatic efforts to swiftly end the conflict and restore regional stability in the Middle East.
In a press release issued the same day, the Presidential Office said Wi and Balakrishnan reviewed the achievements of President Lee Jae-myung's successful state visit to Singapore in March and shared the view that the strategic partnership between Korea and Singapore, as well as the Korea-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, should be further deepened and developed through high-level exchanges.
In particular, Wi exchanged views with Balakrishnan on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and was briefed on the results of Balakrishnan's two-day visit to North Korea that began on the 26th. Wi explained the Korean government's efforts toward peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula, and Balakrishnan expressed active support for these efforts, the Presidential Office said.
Wi commended Singapore for its active contributions to the diplomatic resolution of Korean Peninsula issues, including hosting the 2018 North Korea-U.S. summit and providing a venue for dialogue, and expressed hope that Singapore would continue to play a constructive role for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Regarding the Middle East situation, Wi emphasized the need to swiftly normalize the free and safe passage of vessels through straits used for international navigation, including the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides also agreed to continue close communication and cooperation as energy-importing nations and open economies that share the values of free trade, amid supply chain crises in a rapidly changing global landscape.
