Ashton to attend Asia Security dialogue in Singapore

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton travels today to Singapore where she is to represent the European Union in the Shangri La dialogue to be held on Friday and Saturday. The Shangri La dialogue also known as the Asia Security Summit is organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies as an independent forum for defence ministers, military chiefs and security stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. "The EU is committed to developing strong partnerships to help with increasing security wherever it can. The Shangri La dialogue is a good opportunity to strengthen relations with our Asian partners by discussing our approach to the challenges we face together," she said in press statements prior to departure. Ashton added that she also looks forward to discussing EU-Singapore relations during her visit and to the imminent conclusion of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to accompany the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.