18-21 March 2010

1. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore George Yeo made an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan on 18-21 March 2010 at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov. This is the first high-level visit to Azerbaijan by a Singapore Minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994 and signifies a consolidation of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

2. During their meeting, Minister Yeo and Minister Mammadyarov reaffirmed the warm and friendly relations between Singapore and Azerbaijan and discussed ways to enhance the bilateral relationship. Two sides agreed to strengthen the political dialogue on issues of mutual concern and promote economic cooperation.

3. Minister Yeo and Minister Mammadyarov exchanged views on a broad range of international issues, including developments in Asia and Europe. The Ministers agreed to hold consultations and meetings between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries to discuss issues of mutual interest for the promoting of better understanding and further development of the bilateral relations.

4. The Ministers emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan in accordance with the norms of the international law and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.

5. The Ministers expressed their intention to promote for further enhancing the cooperation between two countries in the field of economy, trade, industry, energy, information technologies, education and culture.

6. Minister Yeo noted that a number of officials from Azerbaijan had attended courses to develop human resource capabilities in such sectors as project management, information technology, transportation and logistical management, civil aviation and tourism under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), which is a technical assistance programme administered by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Yeo welcomed Azerbaijan’s continued participation.

7. The Ministers shared the view that the strengthening of people-to-people and cultural exchange between the two countries is of importance in fostering mutual understanding and enhancing cooperation in the field of science, education, culture and health.

8. During his visit, Minister Yeo called on President Ilham Aliyev and had good discussions with Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov. Minister Yeo joined President Aliyev in the group-breaking ceremony for the SOCAR-Keppel shipbuilding and repair yard being built in Baku.

9. Minister Yeo expressed his gratitude to the people and government of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation and invited Minister Mammadyarov to visit Singapore. Minister Mammdyarov expressed his appreciation to Minister Yeo for the invitation.