In a significant development, Singapore has reaffirmed its commitment to regional counter-terrorism efforts, hosting a high-level meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The gathering brought together key stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies for addressing the evolving threat of terrorism.
The two-day conference, which took place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, was attended by senior officials from ASEAN member states, UN agencies, and international partners. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism capacity-building, intelligence-sharing, and best practices in preventing violent extremism.
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its country's proactive role in promoting regional security and stability. "As a small island nation, Singapore understands the importance of collective efforts to address global challenges," said a spokesperson for the ministry. "Our participation in this conference demonstrates our unwavering commitment to regional counter-terrorism cooperation."
The meeting also touched upon issues related to cybercrime and transnational organized crime, which are increasingly seen as threats to regional security. Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, highlighted the importance of enhancing international cooperation on these fronts.
Singapore has been actively engaged in regional and global counter-terrorism efforts, hosting several high-profile conferences and workshops in recent years. The country's commitment to this issue is underscored by its membership in key international organizations such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF).
The conference concluded with a call for continued regional cooperation on counter-terrorism, including enhanced intelligence-sharing and capacity-building efforts. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged to continue supporting these initiatives, demonstrating its leadership role in regional security affairs.
In summary, Singapore's hosting of this high-level meeting underscores the country's commitment to promoting regional stability and security through collective action against terrorism and related threats.
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