Latest news with #ASEANGuidelinesonConsularAssistance
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia's evacuation aid shows ASEAN solidarity, says SG FM
JOHOR BAHRU: Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan has commended Malaysia for its crucial role in evacuating a Singaporean national from Iran, calling it a testament to ASEAN solidarity. In a letter to Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Balakrishnan emphasized the significance of regional cooperation during crises. 'Hard times reveal true friends,' Balakrishnan wrote, expressing gratitude for Malaysia's swift consular support. The assistance, facilitated by Wisma Putra and Malaysian embassies in Tehran and Ashgabat, ensured safe passage for the Singaporean alongside Malaysian evacuees. Singapore lacks a diplomatic mission in Iran, making Malaysia's intervention vital. The evacuation involved securing transport, accommodation, and Turkmenistan entry permits under challenging conditions. Balakrishnan also thanked Oman for aiding a separate Singaporean family's evacuation to Muscat. The incident underscores the practical value of the ASEAN Guidelines on Consular Assistance, which promote mutual aid among member states. Balakrishnan noted Oman's mediation efforts amid Middle East tensions, stressing the need for de-escalation.
Barnama
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysia's Evacuation Assistance A Testament To ASEAN Solidarity, Says Singapore FM
By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz SINGAPORE, June 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's assistance in evacuating a Singaporean from Iran not only reinforces the close and enduring relationship between the two countries, but also serves as a testament to ASEAN solidarity, said Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. In a letter to his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Balakrishnan said the support is also a real-life demonstration of the importance of the ASEAN Guidelines on Consular Assistance for ASEAN Member States to help one another's citizens. bootstrap slideshow 'Hard times reveal true friends. We sincerely appreciate your government's readiness to extend assistance in times of crisis,' he wrote in the letter. A copy of the letter was shared by Balakrishnan on his Facebook page on Monday, where he also stated that he was grateful to the governments of Malaysia and Oman for their invaluable support in safely evacuating Singaporeans from Iran. In the letter, he noted that the swift and professional action taken by Wisma Putra Consular Division and the Malaysian embassies in Tehran and Ashgabat allowed Singapore to operationalise an evacuation plan under difficult circumstances. 'Their prompt assistance, particularly securing the necessary accommodation, transportation, and entry permits into Turkmenistan, was crucial in ensuring the safety of our citizens,' he added. Meanwhile, Balakrishnan also wrote a separate letter to Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi to express his gratitude for Oman's prompt and effective assistance. He said Singapore remains deeply concerned about the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and that various mediation efforts, including those by Al-Busaidi, are crucial for de-escalation.
