Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, embarks on a visit to Cook Islands for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, aiming to bolster bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan is set to visit Cook Islands from 9 to 11 November 2023 to participate in the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting. This marks Singapore’s inaugural attendance at the PIF Leaders Meeting as a Dialogue Partner of the PIF, a status granted in January 2022.

Minister Balakrishnan’s visit underscores the enduring and amicable relations between Singapore and the Pacific Islands. It offers a pivotal opportunity to enhance bilateral, economic, and multilateral collaboration. The PIF stands as a crucial regional platform in the Pacific, aiming to foster cooperation among its member nations and engagement with external partners.

During his visit, Minister Balakrishnan is scheduled to address the 2050 Pacific Prosperity High-Level Thematic Dialogue on 10 November 2023. Additionally, he will engage in discussions with leaders from the Pacific to explore avenues for bilateral and regional cooperation.

Accompanying Minister Balakrishnan are officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further underscoring Singapore’s commitment to constructive engagement with the Pacific Islands.