Singapore PM Lawrence Wong to Visit Russia for First High-Level Talks Since Ukraine War Sanctions
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will visit Kazan, Russia next week to attend an Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit marking 35 years of dialogue relations. This marks the first high-level engagement between the two countries since Singapore imposed sanctions on Russia over its Ukraine invasion in 2022, making it the only Asean member to do so. The visit signals a potential thaw in diplomatic relations despite Singapore's previous strong condemnation of Russian actions.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to visit the Russian city of Kazan from June 17-19 to attend an Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit celebrating 35 years of dialogue between Moscow and the regional bloc. The visit represents the first high-level talks between Singapore and Russia since Singapore imposed sanctions on Moscow following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, making Singapore the only Asean member to take such action. Diplomatic relations have been strained since Singapore's strong parliamentary and UN condemnations of the invasion, leading Russia to blacklist Singapore as an "unfriendly country" in March 2022. While sources confirm Wong's attendance at the summit, they have not confirmed whether he will meet directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is reportedly hosting the event. The visit suggests a potential diplomatic opening despite the countries' continued disagreements over Ukraine.
What's missing
The article does not specify Singapore's current stance on its sanctions policy or whether this visit signals any potential changes to those sanctions. Additionally, the specific agenda items or topics to be discussed at the summit beyond the commemorative nature are not detailed.
What different sources said
- South China Morning PostCenter
Singapore PM Lawrence Wong to visit Russia’s Kazan, first since Ukraine war sanctions
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