US, Singapore FMs meet for closer partnership

WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Singaporean Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam met on Wednesday in Washington for closer partnership and cooperation.

According to a joint statement issued by the State Department, the two reviewed "the array of close bilateral, regional and global engagement" between the two countries.

"We introduced new mechanisms to further strengthen our partnership and cooperation for the benefit of the Asia-Pacific region," said the statement.

The statement said the two countries' strategic partnership will be rooted in enhanced political and economic dialogue aimed at meaningful cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The top diplomats looked forward to continued cooperation "on economic, political and military, environment, security, education and cultural exchanges that benefit our countries, the Asia- Pacific region and globally," said the statement.

"In all of these areas and the new ones, we will jointly explore solutions to emerging 21st century challenges, and rely on our shared beliefs and aspirations when applying dynamic and practical solutions," said the statement.