MOFA confirms close Taiwan-Singapore ties

The ROC greatly values its long-established, close relations with Singapore that are based on mutual trust and friendship, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said July 20.

The MOFA said there has been much progress in the bilateral relationship but that it could not go into details on the achievements as the two sides have agreed to adopt a low profile on diplomatic matters, asking for the public’s understanding and acceptance of this.

“Differences over any single issue definitely cannot undermine the friendly between Taiwan and Singapore,” the ministry said.

The ministry was responding to recent domestic media reports speculating on the state of the bilateral relationship, which it said were not based closely on fact.

Nevertheless, the MOFA said it would use the advice from all sectors of society as a reference in working to further advance Taiwan-Singapore ties looking forward.

Separately, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said July 22 that steady progress has been made toward the inking of an economic partnership agreement since Taiwan and Singapore began consultations on forming such a pact in January 2011. “If all goes well, it could even be completed by year-end,” the MOEA added.