By Park Si-soo
Singapore will mark its 46th national day on Tuesday.
In a congratulatory message released by the Singapore embassy in Seoul, the country wished its diplomatic ties with Korea to strengthen and expand. It also pledged to contribute to discussions on important global issues, such as climate change, urbanization and drying water resources, among many others.
“Strategically, both countries share many common interests,” the message read. “As small countries lacking in natural resources, we are dependent on a free and open international trading system.”
The free-trade pact between the two countries took effect in March 2006.
Singapore called on more Korean companies to establish a presence there, saying it would help them find “innovative solutions and tap the international talent residing in Singapore.”
The Southeast Asian country said its commitment to the world’s sustainable development extends beyond the convention halls to the nature preserves that entertain while also educate the public on the importance of conservation.
Singapore is the venue for the 2011 International Energy Week to be held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, during which politicians and business leaders from around the world will discuss ways to realize environmentally sustainable economic growth.