Singapore preferred as an international summit venue over the years
- 6 years ago
We're keeping our sights fixed on Singapore for now.
Other than factors like distance and diplomatic neutrality, experience is something the island has plenty of.
The lion city is no novice when it comes to hosting international summits.
For a lookback at the long list of events it successfully hosted we turn to our Cha Sang-mi.
The "special moment for World Peace" is expected to take place next month in Singapore between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Trump.
And this is not the first time a historic international summit has been held in this affluent island nation in Southeast Asia.
The first-ever meeting between the leaders of China and Taiwan took place in Singapore in November 2015, between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Taiwanese counterpart Ma Ying-jeou.
And last year, Joseph Yun, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy, also travelled to Singapore for the Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue - a security meeting aimed at the denuclearization of North Korea.
As for why Singapore has been preferred as an international summit venue, experts say that the country has garnered trust around the world for its political and diplomatic neutrality.
"Singaporean government's policy-wise has very neutral background to these kind of proceedings. For instance, Singapore doesn't have any particular regional issues beyond the Southeast Asia."
Apart from its convenience and accessibility, the neutrality Singapore offers is what makes the country so attractive for both Pyongyang and Washington.
"The Singaporean government doesn't really have a particular agenda when it comes to North Korea's denuclearization, unlike South Korea."
North Korea also has an embassy in Singapore's business district, making the country a more accessible choice for Pyongyang.
Cha Sang-mi, Arirang News.
Other than factors like distance and diplomatic neutrality, experience is something the island has plenty of.
The lion city is no novice when it comes to hosting international summits.
For a lookback at the long list of events it successfully hosted we turn to our Cha Sang-mi.
The "special moment for World Peace" is expected to take place next month in Singapore between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Trump.
And this is not the first time a historic international summit has been held in this affluent island nation in Southeast Asia.
The first-ever meeting between the leaders of China and Taiwan took place in Singapore in November 2015, between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Taiwanese counterpart Ma Ying-jeou.
And last year, Joseph Yun, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy, also travelled to Singapore for the Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue - a security meeting aimed at the denuclearization of North Korea.
As for why Singapore has been preferred as an international summit venue, experts say that the country has garnered trust around the world for its political and diplomatic neutrality.
"Singaporean government's policy-wise has very neutral background to these kind of proceedings. For instance, Singapore doesn't have any particular regional issues beyond the Southeast Asia."
Apart from its convenience and accessibility, the neutrality Singapore offers is what makes the country so attractive for both Pyongyang and Washington.
"The Singaporean government doesn't really have a particular agenda when it comes to North Korea's denuclearization, unlike South Korea."
North Korea also has an embassy in Singapore's business district, making the country a more accessible choice for Pyongyang.
Cha Sang-mi, Arirang News.