Latest News

Vivian Balakrishnan meets Palestinian leaders, reiterates support for 2-state solution

Vivian Balakrishnan meets Palestinian leaders & voices concern about humanitarian situation in Gaza

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has met up with leaders of the Palestinian Authority (PA) as part of his visit to the Palestinian territories.

During the meeting on Monday (18 March), Dr Balakrishnan expressed Singapore’s deep concern regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

He also reiterated Singapore’s support for a two-state solution, describing it as the “only viable pathway towards a comprehensive, just, and durable peace”.

Vivian Balakrishnan meets with Palestinian leaders

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s press release on Tuesday (19 March), Dr Balakrishnan met with the following leaders during his visit to Ramallah in the West Bank:

  • Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Shtayyeh
  • Prime Minister-designate Dr Mohammad Mustafa
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr Riad Al Malki
  • Head of General Intelligence Services Majed Faraj

During his meetings, Dr Balakrishnan expressed Singapore’s “deep concern” regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Dr Balakrishnan also updated the Palestinian leaders about Singapore’s humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

This included the third tranche of aid transported through Jordan and a S$6.1 million donation by the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East.

Emphasises Singapore’s support for 2-state solution

Dr Balakrishnan took the opportunity to emphasise Singapore’s support for a “negotiated two-state solution” consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The solution would consist of Palestinians and Israelis living side-by-side in peace and security.

 

The minister also conveyed Singapore’s hope for both sides to engage in direct negotiations on a two-state solution.

MFA described the two-state solution as the “only viable pathway towards a comprehensive, just, and durable peace.”

Dr Balakrishnan went on to reaffirm Singapore’s commitment to support PA’s capacity-building efforts in the civil service and digital government.

MFA stated that over 700 PA officials have benefitted from training programmes and post-graduate scholarships that Singapore has provided.

The Singapore Representative Office in Ramallah opened in Oct 2022, expanding the reach and strengthening the delivery of Singapore’s technical assistance to PA.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore.

Sudeshna Dhar

Sudeshna is a lover of all romcoms, especially Gone Girl (2014).

Recent Posts

Police report made after fierce brawl erupts between football fans at KL train station

One man slammed a metal object repeatedly against the train doors.

22 Dec 2024, 2:49 am

Traffic Police puts up roadblocks at CTE & AYE on 21 Dec, causes early-morning jams

A resident who lives next to the expressway complained of honking cars from 4am.

22 Dec 2024, 2:11 am

Grilled rabbit leg meal offered for S$25 at Western food stall in Ang Mo Kio

Rabbit is a healthier meat option as it's high in protein and low in fat…

22 Dec 2024, 12:57 am

‘Loan shark queen’ in Thailand charges 720% annual interest, arrested after doing so for 3 years

She would even threaten her debtors with grave physical violence.

21 Dec 2024, 6:08 pm