Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivan Balakrishnan and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have agreed on the importance of ensuring any Covid-19 vaccine will be made available globally.
The two spoke over the phone on Aug. 4 according to Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), reaffirming "the excellent and longstanding ties" between the two countries, "underpinned by strong cooperation in economic, defence, and security matters."
The pair discussed collaboration in the research and development, manufacturing, and distribution of vaccines.
They also discussed the "possibility of leveraging on the strong United States commercial presence in Singapore, including in pharmaceuticals, to this end".
In a tweet, Pompeo said that the call was "great" and highlighted discussion relating to the South China Sea.
New areas of cooperation in infrastructure and trade
MFA's statement added that both sides welcomed new areas of cooperation in infrastructure and trade, as well as customs facilitation.
Customs facilitation, read MFA's statement, would increase trade between Singapore and the U.S. while strengthening the latter's economic engagement of South East Asia.
Regarding the region, Vivian welcomed the U.S.'s sustained presence — referring to it as "constructive and stabilising".
He encouraged the U.S. in its "continued engagement and efforts to strengthen cooperation with regional partners and ASEAN, including to overcome the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic".
Key interest in maintaining peace and stability
The call between Vivian and Pompeo also delved into issues relating to the South China Sea.
China has claimed much of the territory, though its claim is disputed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
MFA said that Vivian "reaffirmed Singapore's consistent and longstanding position".
"Singapore is not a claimant state and we do not take sides on the competing territorial claims. Our key interest is in maintaining peace and stability in one of the world’s busiest waterways."
The statement from the ministry read that Singapore upheld the right of all states to freedom of navigation and overflight.
Singapore also supported the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
A statement by U.S. Department of State's Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown said Pompeo reiterated U.S. support for Southeast Asian states upholding their sovereign rights and interests under international law.
Top image from Vivian Balakrishnan's Facebook page and via Mark Wilson/Getty Images