Singapore to host Sustainable Oceans Summit in 2015

Channel NewsAsia 2 Nov 14;

REYKJAVIK: Singapore will host the third edition of the World Ocean Council's Sustainable Oceans Summit in November next year, along with an Arctic Circle forum held in conjunction with the summit. Mr Sam Tan, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, announced this on Friday (Oct 31) at the 2nd Arctic Circle Assembly's Opening Session, held in Reykjavik, Iceland. The event was attended by participants from 40 countries.

Singapore may not have a direct stake in the Arctic, Mr Tan said, but it does have a stake in supporting the responsible development and good governance of the region. Last year, Singapore was granted permanent observer status in the Arctic Council, which governs the Arctic region.

The Republic is also contributing to the region in matters of technical expertise, he noted. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, for example, has shared its experience in oil spill management, and Singapore is collaborating with Norway to develop and test a marine version of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the monitoring of oil spills and other marine incidents. The UAV will be able to move at a speed of 5 to 10 metres per second and provide aerial pictures of oil spill incidents that can be magnified tenfold.

With a significant increase in shipping and maritime activities in the Arctic region, Singapore supports the early conclusion of the Polar Code, Mr Tan said. The Code, which is being developed by the International Maritime Organization, will ensure the safety of ships operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters.

On Thursday, Mr Tan called on Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grímsson. They reaffirmed good bilateral relations, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, and exchanged ideas about international cooperation in the Arctic. The President had suggested that Singapore host the Arctic Circle forum in 2015.

Mr Tan also called on Iceland's Prime Minister Sigmundur Davío Gunnlaugsson and Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson. Both expressed Iceland’s interest in closer relations with Singapore.

- CNA/xq