THE relationship between Singapore and the United States is 'critical' for America, a top-ranking US senator said yesterday at a major security summit.
'Singapore remains the United States' indispensable friend and partner in South-east Asia,' said Mr Joseph Lieberman, chairman of an influential security committee and a former vice-presidential candidate.
Mr Lieberman made the comments at a press conference on the opening day of the Shangri-La Dialogue.
31 May 2008: Straits Times
THE relationship between Singapore and the United States is 'critical' for America, a top-ranking US senator said yesterday at a major security summit.
'Singapore remains the United States' indispensable friend and partner in South-east Asia,' said Mr Joseph Lieberman, chairman of an influential security committee and a former vice-presidential candidate.
Mr Lieberman made the comments at a press conference on the opening day of the Shangri-La Dialogue.
The event brings together defence ministers and officials from 27 countries to discuss issues and threats from terrorism to climate change.
Earlier in the day, Mr Lieberman, chairman of the US Senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they exchanged views on developments in the Middle East, the fight against terrorism and the US' role in Asia, including South-east Asia.
Mr Lieberman is well known as the Democratic candidate for the US vice-presidency in 2000. In December last year, he issued an endorsement of fellow senator John McCain, the likely Republican nominee for the US presidency.
In a recent joint commentary, the two senators said the next president must deepen ties with Asia, which were in 'good shape'. That includes expanded relations with 'old friends' like Singapore.
Yesterday, he added: 'Singapore, in our opinion - in mine certainly - has gone the extra mile for the United States and Singaporeans should note that the United States, in turn, feels the responsibility to go the extra mile for Singapore.'
Mr Lieberman also met Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister George Yeo.
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