Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan’s audience with King Abdullah II highlights deepening bilateral relations and shared commitment to humanitarian assistance.
Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
On 17 March 2024, during his working visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, accompanied by Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamed, was received by His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein at the Royal Palace in Aqaba. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II also participated in the meeting.
Credit: Royal Hashemite Court
Minister Balakrishnan extended congratulations to King Abdullah II on the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty’s accession to the throne, celebrated in February 2024. He also conveyed Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s gratitude towards Jordan for facilitating Singapore’s humanitarian assistance efforts in Gaza. King Abdullah II acknowledged the commencement of airdrop missions by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), emphasizing the importance of every effort to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza amidst the dire humanitarian situation.
Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
Further, Minister Balakrishnan expressed Singapore’s ongoing support for King Abdullah II’s pivotal role in fostering peace and stability in the region, including efforts towards a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both leaders reaffirmed the excellent state of relations between Singapore and Jordan, grounded in mutual trust and respect at the highest political levels. The progress in bilateral cooperation, particularly following the visit of Crown Prince Al Hussein to Singapore in January 2024, was also highlighted.
Credit: Royal Hashemite Court
Additionally, Minister Balakrishnan and Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamed met with Jordan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, His Excellency Bisher Al Khasawneh. They discussed the warm defence relations between the two countries and the importance of continuing exchanges to share best practices and experiences. The discussion also covered the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the critical need for increased delivery of humanitarian aid, with Minister Balakrishnan expressing appreciation for the Royal Jordanian Air Force’s support for RSAF’s missions.
This visit underscores the strong ties between Singapore and Jordan, emphasizing their shared commitment to humanitarian assistance and peace in the region.
Source – MFA
