Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with Singaporean Foreign Minister Balakrishnan

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today to Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during the Foreign Minister’s visit to Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Foreign Minister Balakrishnan reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership and its effectiveness in confronting today’s major challenges, including Russia’s war against Ukraine and defending the international rules-based order. They reiterated our shared commitment to facilitating a free, open, rules-based, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and to promoting peace and stability across the region.

The Deputy Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed how the United States and Singapore can address the threat posed by synthetic drugs to international security, global health, and public safety. They also highlighted the importance of cooperation through multilateral fora, including ASEAN and APEC, and economic initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.