Busy day for Ukrainian President in Singapore

In addition to speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the President and Prime Minister of Singapore, the US Secretary of Defense... on June 2.

According to Reuters , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise appearance at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS, UK) in Singapore with the participation of representatives from many countries and organizations.

Tổng thống Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky phát biểu tại Đối thoại Shangri-La tại Singapore ngày 2/6/2024. (Nguồn: Straits Times)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 2. (Source: Straits Times)

Wearing his usual blue suit, Mr. Zelensky spoke about the conflict in Ukraine and the weakening role of diplomacy in resolving problems. The leader called on all sides to support and attend the Ukraine Peace Conference in Switzerland from June 15-16.

“Diplomacy is effective when it is truly aimed at saving lives,” he asserted. “We believe that the world wants to be united and is able to act in a completely harmonious way.”

On the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, President Zelensky said he had a “very good” meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The two sides discussed Ukraine’s defense needs, including strengthening its air defense system, the F-16 fighter jet support alliance, and the drafting of a bilateral security agreement.

Underscoring the United States' steadfast support for Ukraine, Secretary Austin reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining the support of a coalition of more than 50 countries for Kiev.

Tổng thống Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky gặp Bộ trưởng Quốc phòng Mỹ Lloyd Austin ngày 2/6/2024. (Nguồn: AFP)

President Zelensky met with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to try to rally support for Kiev. (Source: AFP)

Also on June 2, the Ukrainian President met with host country President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Singaporean investors.

The two sides had in-depth discussions on global developments and agreed on the importance of adhering to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Both Presidents reaffirmed the warm and friendly relations between Singapore and Ukraine.

The issues that Mr. Zelensky discussed with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong included potential areas where both countries could deepen bilateral cooperation, such as trade and economic relations.

Both sides agreed that the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of all nations must be respected.

Tổng thống Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky và Tổng thống Tharman Shanmugaratnam tái khẳng định mối quan hệ nồng ấm và thân thiện giữa Singapore và Ukraine. (Nguồn: MCI)

President Zelensky and his host counterpart Tharman Shanmugaratnam reaffirmed the warm relations between Singapore and Ukraine. (Source: MCI)

After the meeting, Prime Minister Wong and Mr. Zelensky witnessed the signing of the Ukraine-Singapore Air Services Agreement between Minister of Transport Chee Hong Tat and Ambassador of Ukraine to Singapore Kateryna Zelenko.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the agreement allows airlines from both sides to operate unlimited frequencies of passenger and cargo services between Singapore and any point in Ukraine, without restrictions on capacity, routes and aircraft types.

In addition, this agreement provides a more favorable legal and business framework for airlines operating air services between the two countries.

CAAS stated that this signing marks an important milestone in bilateral aviation relations and replaces the previous agreement between the two countries from 2011.

Thủ tướng Lawrence Wong (phải) và Tổng thống Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky chủ trì lễ ký kết Thỏa thuận dịch vụ hàng không Ukraine – Singapore, ngày 2/6. (Nguồn: CAAS)

President Zelensky and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong presided over the signing ceremony of the Ukraine-Singapore Air Services Agreement. (Source: CAAS)

At a meeting with a group of Singaporean investors, Mr. Zelensky thanked Singaporean businesses for continuing to operate in Ukraine and maintain jobs despite the conflict, and reaffirmed Kiev's commitment to creating more attractive incentives for investors.

According to him, the two countries have great potential to further develop trade cooperation, especially in the fields of technology and innovation.

This trip is President Zelensky's second visit to Asia since Russia launched its military campaign in February 2022. He previously attended the G7 Summit in Japan in May 2023.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ngay-ban-ron-cua-tong-thong-ukraine-tai-singapore-273565.html