ROC Representative to Singapore Vanessa Yea-ping Shih will return to Taiwan soon and be assigned to a new post now that her three-year appointment is coming to a natural end, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Feb. 20.
“Shih has worked diligently during her term as an envoy in Singapore and is being recalled in accordance with normal procedures,” MOFA said.
“Ties between Taiwan and Singapore have always been friendly and stable, with frequent exchanges in the government and public sectors,” it said.
MOFA’s remarks came after reports surfaced in the Taiwanese media that Shih is being asked to step down because Singaporean officials are displeased with her performance. “These reports are inaccurate,” MOFA noted.
According to the ministry, Shih has actively strengthened bilateral relations and pushed for visits and interactions between top officials from both sides since taking office in January 2009.
“Singapore is now Taiwan’s sixth largest trading partner, while Taiwan is Singapore’s ninth,” MOFA pointed out, noting that total bilateral trade rose from US$19.7 billion in 2010 to more than US$22.7 billion in the first 11 months of 2011.
In addition, negotiations on the Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP) were initiated Dec. 15, 2010.
An aviation agreement and a memorandum of understanding on technology cooperation were inked by the two sides in 2011, according to MOFA. “These accomplishments are all indicative of our close relations with Singapore,” the ministry said.
MOFA said that Shih will continue working with the ministry after her homecoming, and that a new representative to Singapore will be announced soon. (HZW)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw