Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan Pyongyang on Thursday, days before Singapore plays host to the summit between leaders of North Korea and the United States.

Video provided by North Korea's official&nbsp;showed Balakrishnan arriving Pyongyang International Airport and later meeting his North Korean counterpart, Ri Yong Ho, at Mansudae Assembly Hall.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are due to hold their historic meeting in Singapore on Tuesday&nbsp;next week.

The United States and North Korea agreed upon Singapore last month as the venue for the first ever meeting between leaders of the two countries. The White House said then it chose Singapore because it could ensure the security of both leaders and provide a neutral meeting ground.

US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are due to hold their historic meeting in Singapore on Tuesday

Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan Pyongyang on Thursday, days before Singapore plays host to the summit between leaders of North Korea and the United States. Video provided by North Korea's official showed Balakrishnan arriving Pyongyang International Airport and later meeting his North Korean counterpart, Ri Yong Ho, at Mansudae Assembly Hall. US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are due to hold their historic meeting in Singapore on Tuesday next week. The United States and North Korea agreed upon Singapore last month as the venue for the first ever meeting between leaders of the two countries. The White House said then it chose Singapore because it could ensure the security of both leaders and provide a neutral meeting ground.

Singapore's foreign minister visits North Korea

&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;airspace&nbsp;will be&nbsp;restricted&nbsp;during&nbsp;the planned US-NorthKorea&nbsp;summit&nbsp;next week, according to a notice to airmen posted by aviation authorities on Wednesday, which is likely to result in delays at one of Asia's busiest airports.

The Southeast Asian city-state is set to host a historic meeting between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 and has increased security across the island.

The notice, published on the websites of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the US&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), said&nbsp;airspace&nbsp;over&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;will be temporarily restricted for parts of June 11, 12 and 13.

Travellers are advised to expect delays for flights arriving at and departing from&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;during this period,&nbsp;Singapore's Defense Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority of&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;said.

All aircraft arriving into&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;Changi Airport will be required to reduce speed and face some restrictions on runway use "for reasons of national security," the notice said.

A separate notice on the ICAO website warned aviators to keep clear of the Paya Lebar Air Base, a military facility in the east of the island that has been used by US presidents on past visits. The notice said aircraft that breach the&nbsp;restrictions "may be intercepted".

As part of its preparations for the&nbsp;summit,&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;has designated certain parts of the city as "special event areas" for June 10 to 14. These include the central region, which is home to its foreign ministry, the US&nbsp;embassy and several hotels, and Sentosa Island in the south, where the summit&nbsp;is scheduled to take place.

Items such as remotely piloted aircraft and public address systems will be prohibited in these areas throughout this period.

The Southeast Asian city-state is set to host a historic meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un and has increased security across the island

Singapore airspace will be restricted during the planned US-NorthKorea summit next week, according to a notice to airmen posted by aviation authorities on Wednesday, which is likely to result in delays at one of Asia's busiest airports. The Southeast Asian city-state is set to host a historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 and has increased security across the island. The notice, published on the websites of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), said airspace over Singapore will be temporarily restricted for parts of June 11, 12 and 13. Travellers are advised to expect delays for flights arriving at and departing from Singapore during this period, Singapore's Defense Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said. All aircraft arriving into Singapore Changi Airport will be required to reduce speed and face some restrictions on runway use "for reasons of national security," the notice said. A separate notice on the ICAO website warned aviators to keep clear of the Paya Lebar Air Base, a military facility in the east of the island that has been used by US presidents on past visits. The notice said aircraft that breach the restrictions "may be intercepted". As part of its preparations for the summit, Singapore has designated certain parts of the city as "special event areas" for June 10 to 14. These include the central region, which is home to its foreign ministry, the US embassy and several hotels, and Sentosa Island in the south, where the summit is scheduled to take place. Items such as remotely piloted aircraft and public address systems will be prohibited in these areas throughout this period.

Singapore to restrict airspace during US-North Korea summit

&nbsp;As countries around Southeast Asia struggle to cope with growing piles of plastic and other waste on land and in their waters, Singapore is one country in the region that appears to have things figured out.

Singapore's streets are glistening clean, its parks and beaches mostly free from the trash that plagues neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Almost all of Singapore's non-recyclable waste is incinerated, with the ash and some solid waste shipped to a man-made island nearby that doubles as a nature reserve.

But that solution looks as if it is running short on time.

The tip on Semakau island was supposed to meet Singapore's dumping needs until as late as 2045, according to environment ministry documents. But with the use of disposable products growing at a rapid rate, the ministry's most recent estimates show that Semakau could be full a decade earlier.

Plastics was the largest category of waste disposed of in Singapore last year - 763,400 tonnes - according to data from the National Environment Agency (NEA). Only 6 per cent of the 815,200 of plastic waste generated was recycled.

Analysis of the NEA data by Reuters shows that plastic waste per capita has increased nearly 20 per cent over the last 15 years.

A report by the local Straits Times newspaper in March said each person in Singapore threw away an average of 13 bags a day in 2016.

So far, the government has not adopted any bans or charges on plastic bags or single-use plastic items like straws and plates. It has also not disclosed any plans to replace the Semakau dump.

"More needs to be done to prolong the life of Semakau landfill beyond 2035," the NEA said in an email when asked about plans for the dump.

The agency said that recycling initiatives had helped stabilise the amount of trash sent for incineration, despite increases in waste generation caused by population and economic growth.

Southeast Asia is home to four of the world's top marine plastic polluters, a trend some think will be exacerbated by last year's waste import ban in China, which used to be the world's top destination for recyclable trash.

The recent death of a pilot whale in Thailand with 80 pieces of plastic rubbish in its stomach has also drawn global attention to the problem.

Singapore, which plays host to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, is planning a special ministerial meeting on climate action in July.

But climate groups have urged the government of the wealthy city-state, which enjoys broad support from its electorate, to spend more political capital on tackling waste in a convenience culture where deliveries and take-out meals are common.

Singapore says it aims to become a "zero waste" nation, meaning it will eventually not send any waste to landfill. However, it has yet to set a date for achieving that goal.

The NEA said it was implementing initiatives aimed at increasing recycling rates and reducing waste at the source. These have included increasing the number of recycling bins and awareness campaigns.

It said Singapore was offering research grants for companies and organizations to develop sustainable waste management technologies and planned to make it mandatory for large generators of packaging waste to report the types and quantities they use and their reduction plans by 2021.

The local recycling industry has yet to feel the pinch of China's waste ban, the NEA said, adding that for now, it was still able to find overseas markets for recyclables.

Kim Stengert, chief communications officer for WWF Singapore, said the group would like to see Singapore adopt measures like mandatory charges for plastic bags or requiring firms to either pay for or participate in the collection and recycling of plastics.

Singapore's senior minister of state for the environment and water resources, Amy Khor, said in March that unlike other countries with mandatory plastic bag charges, Singapore incinerates plastic waste before putting it in landfills.

"We do not face the land and water pollution issues that plague those countries," she said. She added that plastic bags were "necessary for responsible and hygienic bagging of waste" in Singapore's hot and humid climate.

Neighbouring Malaysia has said it aims to introduce a nationwide ban on plastic bags within a year, while some local authorities in the Philippines already regulate their use.

"There is no rubbish piling up in the streets, so Singaporeans don't perceive a waste problem or feel personally responsible to reduce waste," said Sonny Ben Rosenthal, an academic who specialises in environmental issues at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University.

Plastic waste per capita has increased nearly 20 per cent over the last 15 years

As countries around Southeast Asia struggle to cope with growing piles of plastic and other waste on land and in their waters, Singapore is one country in the region that appears to have things figured out. Singapore's streets are glistening clean, its parks and beaches mostly free from the trash that plagues neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Almost all of Singapore's non-recyclable waste is incinerated, with the ash and some solid waste shipped to a man-made island nearby that doubles as a nature reserve. But that solution looks as if it is running short on time. The tip on Semakau island was supposed to meet Singapore's dumping needs until as late as 2045, according to environment ministry documents. But with the use of disposable products growing at a rapid rate, the ministry's most recent estimates show that Semakau could be full a decade earlier. Plastics was the largest category of waste disposed of in Singapore last year - 763,400 tonnes - according to data from the National Environment Agency (NEA). Only 6 per cent of the 815,200 of plastic waste generated was recycled. Analysis of the NEA data by Reuters shows that plastic waste per capita has increased nearly 20 per cent over the last 15 years. A report by the local Straits Times newspaper in March said each person in Singapore threw away an average of 13 bags a day in 2016. So far, the government has not adopted any bans or charges on plastic bags or single-use plastic items like straws and plates. It has also not disclosed any plans to replace the Semakau dump. "More needs to be done to prolong the life of Semakau landfill beyond 2035," the NEA said in an email when asked about plans for the dump. The agency said that recycling initiatives had helped stabilise the amount of trash sent for incineration, despite increases in waste generation caused by population and economic growth. Southeast Asia is home to four of the world's top marine plastic polluters, a trend some think will be exacerbated by last year's waste import ban in China, which used to be the world's top destination for recyclable trash. The recent death of a pilot whale in Thailand with 80 pieces of plastic rubbish in its stomach has also drawn global attention to the problem. Singapore, which plays host to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, is planning a special ministerial meeting on climate action in July. But climate groups have urged the government of the wealthy city-state, which enjoys broad support from its electorate, to spend more political capital on tackling waste in a convenience culture where deliveries and take-out meals are common. Singapore says it aims to become a "zero waste" nation, meaning it will eventually not send any waste to landfill. However, it has yet to set a date for achieving that goal. The NEA said it was implementing initiatives aimed at increasing recycling rates and reducing waste at the source. These have included increasing the number of recycling bins and awareness campaigns. It said Singapore was offering research grants for companies and organizations to develop sustainable waste management technologies and planned to make it mandatory for large generators of packaging waste to report the types and quantities they use and their reduction plans by 2021. The local recycling industry has yet to feel the pinch of China's waste ban, the NEA said, adding that for now, it was still able to find overseas markets for recyclables. Kim Stengert, chief communications officer for WWF Singapore, said the group would like to see Singapore adopt measures like mandatory charges for plastic bags or requiring firms to either pay for or participate in the collection and recycling of plastics. Singapore's senior minister of state for the environment and water resources, Amy Khor, said in March that unlike other countries with mandatory plastic bag charges, Singapore incinerates plastic waste before putting it in landfills. "We do not face the land and water pollution issues that plague those countries," she said. She added that plastic bags were "necessary for responsible and hygienic bagging of waste" in Singapore's hot and humid climate. Neighbouring Malaysia has said it aims to introduce a nationwide ban on plastic bags within a year, while some local authorities in the Philippines already regulate their use. "There is no rubbish piling up in the streets, so Singaporeans don't perceive a waste problem or feel personally responsible to reduce waste," said Sonny Ben Rosenthal, an academic who specialises in environmental issues at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University.

In Singapore, where trash becomes ash, plastics are still a problem

The high-profile summit between <a href="http://wionews.com/world/with-khukris-and-assault-rifles-singapores-gurkhas-to-guard-trump-kim-summit-142406">President Trump and North Korean</a> leader Kim Jong-un will take place in Singapore's Capella hotel on Sentosa Island.

The White House had<a href="http://wionews.com/world/singapore-designates-special-zone-for-trump-kim-summit-142122"> said on Tuesday the </a>meeting would take place at&nbsp9:00 am (0100 GMT).

The plush&nbspCapella hotel had earlier played host to pop star Madonna and Lady Gaga.

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UPDATE: The venue for the Singapore summit between <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and Leader Kim Jong Un will be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island. We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality.
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1004037987607498754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Preparation is underway in full swing in Singapore with Trump-Kim set to meet on June 12th.&nbspTrump said plans for the summit were "moving along very well."

"A lot of relationships being built, a lot of negotiations going on before the trip," Trump said. "We’ll see what happens. But it's very important – it'll be a very important couple of days."

Trump said the summit could result in North Korea agreeing to formally end the 1950 Korean war which ended in an uneasy truce, beyond that the Trump had said the world should not have too many expectations as one meeting would never really give tangible results.

Meanwhile, the Singapore government has put a security blanket around Sentosa and declared the&nbspUS embassy and hotels, as a special zone from June 10 to 14. Sentosa island is a well known tourist attraction with beaches, casinos and world class golf courses, a pet passion of President Trump.

The island reportedly hosts plush houses and with wealthy residents making up the population.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fdboOng6VVY" width="560"></iframe>

the Singapore government has put a security blanket around in Sentosa

The high-profile summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will take place in Singapore's Capella hotel on Sentosa Island. The White House had said on Tuesday the meeting would take place at&nbsp9:00 am (0100 GMT). The plush&nbspCapella hotel had earlier played host to pop star Madonna and Lady Gaga. UPDATE: The venue for the Singapore summit between @POTUS and Leader Kim Jong Un will be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island. We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality. — Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) June 5, 2018 × Preparation is underway in full swing in Singapore with Trump-Kim set to meet on June 12th.&nbspTrump said plans for the summit were "moving along very well." "A lot of relationships being built, a lot of negotiations going on before the trip," Trump said. "We’ll see what happens. But it's very important – it'll be a very important couple of days." Trump said the summit could result in North Korea agreeing to formally end the 1950 Korean war which ended in an uneasy truce, beyond that the Trump had said the world should not have too many expectations as one meeting would never really give tangible results. Meanwhile, the Singapore government has put a security blanket around Sentosa and declared the&nbspUS embassy and hotels, as a special zone from June 10 to 14. Sentosa island is a well known tourist attraction with beaches, casinos and world class golf courses, a pet passion of President Trump. The island reportedly hosts plush houses and with wealthy residents making up the population.

Kim-Trump summit to take place in Singapore's Capella hotel on Sentosa Island

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-summons-shashi-tharoor-in-sunanda-pushkar-case--142361">Delhi court summons Shashi Tharoor as the accused in Sunanda Pushkar death case</a>

Shashi Tharoor has been summoned, as the accused, by a Patiala House court in the Sunanda Pushkar death case. Tharoor has been asked to appear before the court on July 7.&nbsp;

The Congress leader has been asked to appear before the court on the morning of July 7. Tharoor is currently in London but is likely to return to India soon.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/constitution-is-in-danger-people-living-in-insecurity-goa-archbishop-142320">Constitution in danger, most people living in insecurity: Archbishop of Goa</a>

Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao has said that the Constitution is in danger and that many people are living in an atmosphere of insecurity.

In a letter addressed to Christians, he said the Constitution should be understood better as general elections are drawing closer. The archbishop also said that human rights are under attack and democracy appears to be in peril.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-ola-driver-allegedly-molests-passenger-forces-her-to-strip-142425">Bengaluru: Ola driver allegedly molests passenger, forces her to strip</a>

A 26-year-old woman was allegedly molested in Bengaluru by an Ola driver who forced her to strip, news reports said Tuesday.&nbsp;

The news reports said the Ola driver got the woman to strip by threatening to call his friends and have her gang-raped if she did not do his bidding. The driver then allegedly took photos of the woman.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-kims-singapore-summit-to-be-guarded-by-gurkhas-142378">Trump-Kim Singapore summit to be guarded by Gurkhas</a>

When US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for their historic summit in Singapore later this month, they will be protected by men from one of the fiercest warrior tribes in the world — the Gurkhas of Nepal.

While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-priyanka-chopras-quantico-gets-slammed-on-twitter-for-showing-indians-as-terrorists--142423">Priyanka Chopra's 'Quantico' slammed on Twitter for showing Indians as terrorists</a>

Priyanka Chopra's TV series Quantico has run into controversy. The series, which is in its third season now, had an episode where ‘Indian nationalists’ plot a terrorist attack in Manhattan with the intention of blaming it on Pakistan.

The episode has been slammed by Indians on Twitter.&nbsp;

Delhi court summons Shashi Tharoor as the accused in Sunanda Pushkar death case Shashi Tharoor has been summoned, as the accused, by a Patiala House court in the Sunanda Pushkar death case. Tharoor has been asked to appear before the court on July 7. The Congress leader has been asked to appear before the court on the morning of July 7. Tharoor is currently in London but is likely to return to India soon. Constitution in danger, most people living in insecurity: Archbishop of Goa Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao has said that the Constitution is in danger and that many people are living in an atmosphere of insecurity. In a letter addressed to Christians, he said the Constitution should be understood better as general elections are drawing closer. The archbishop also said that human rights are under attack and democracy appears to be in peril. Bengaluru: Ola driver allegedly molests passenger, forces her to strip A 26-year-old woman was allegedly molested in Bengaluru by an Ola driver who forced her to strip, news reports said Tuesday. The news reports said the Ola driver got the woman to strip by threatening to call his friends and have her gang-raped if she did not do his bidding. The driver then allegedly took photos of the woman. Trump-Kim Singapore summit to be guarded by Gurkhas When US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for their historic summit in Singapore later this month, they will be protected by men from one of the fiercest warrior tribes in the world — the Gurkhas of Nepal. While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state. Priyanka Chopra's 'Quantico' slammed on Twitter for showing Indians as terrorists Priyanka Chopra's TV series Quantico has run into controversy. The series, which is in its third season now, had an episode where ‘Indian nationalists’ plot a terrorist attack in Manhattan with the intention of blaming it on Pakistan. The episode has been slammed by Indians on Twitter.

News brief: Big stories of the day

When US&nbspPresident Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for their historic summit in Singapore later this month, they will be protected by men from one of the fiercest warrior tribes in the world - the Gurkhas of Nepal. 
 
While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state. 
 
The Gurkhas, who have a low-profile presence in Singapore, were more visible than usual at the weekend as they&nbspsecured the Shangri-La Hotel&nbspfor a security conference that included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and other regional ministers. 
 
The Gurkhas, recruited by the Singapore police from the hills of faraway Nepal, were kitted out in body armour, Belgian-made FN SCAR combat assault rifles and pistols in leg holsters at the conference, in what some security experts believed was a dry run for the U.S.-North Korea summit.

Despite all the advanced weaponry, the Gurkhas do not prepare for battle without the khukri - the heavy curved knife that is their traditional weapon of choice. According to custom, the khukri must draw blood every time it is unsheathed. 
 
"They are among the best Singapore can offer, and I am sure they will be involved (in the summit)," said Tim Huxley, an expert on Singapore's armed forces at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). 
 
"They remain very much a substantial and frontline force, and the demands of this kind of event are precisely the sort of special operation that the Gurkhas are trained to handle," he said. 
 
A spokesman for the Singapore police declined to comment on the deployment of the Gurkhas or their numbers. 
 
The IISS Military Balance says 1,800 Gurkhas serve in the Singapore police, across six paramilitary companies. 
 
A&nbsplegacy in part of the British colonial era&nbspand more recent pragmatic Singaporean leadership, Singapore's Gurkhas are linked to a British tradition that has recruited and paid for elite regiments of soldiers from Nepal for more than 200 years.

Beaten back by the Gurkhas in the 19th century Anglo-Nepalese War and admired for their valour and fighting skills, the colonial British then began to recruit them. Now Gurkhas serve in the British, Indian and Nepalese armies, as well as in Brunei and Singapore. 
 
They have fought in both world wars as well as the Falklands conflict and, more recently, in Afghanistan. 
 
Huxley said the Gurkhas had long proven to be an asset to Singapore's leadership, providing a neutral force within an ethnically diverse city-state, including VIP and anti-riot protection. 
 
At times of regional tension, they have protected international schools, and are often seen at the Malaysia-Singapore border crossings. 
 
The Singapore Police website describes the group as "tough, vigilant and steadfast" that operates "across the spectrum of paramilitary operations to help safeguard Singapore".

They live with their families in the secure Mount Vernon Camp outside the city, an enclave that ordinary Singaporeans are not allowed to enter. 
 
A woman married to a Gurkha who lived in the camp said life there was restricted. 
 
"We have a curfew of 12 midnight," she said. "For women, we can let them know if we have a genuine reason to stay out, for men, there is no excuse. 
 
"One of the rules we have is that we have to be in bed by 10.30 p.m. every night. This means no music, no nothing. Even if we have a party, we need to stop. If not, there will be some form of enforcement by the people patrolling." 
 
Typically recruited at 18 or 19 before being trained in Singapore, the Gurkha soldiers retire at 45 when they are repatriated. While their children attend local schools, Gurkhas are not allowed to marry local women. 
 
A handful of ex-British Army officers serve as sworn-in Singapore police in senior leadership, training and organisational roles.

"Although they are police, the links between the contingent and the British Army remain deep and strong," one British Army officer said. "They are part of a fine tradition."

While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state

When US&nbspPresident Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for their historic summit in Singapore later this month, they will be protected by men from one of the fiercest warrior tribes in the world - the Gurkhas of Nepal. While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state. The Gurkhas, who have a low-profile presence in Singapore, were more visible than usual at the weekend as they&nbspsecured the Shangri-La Hotel&nbspfor a security conference that included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and other regional ministers. The Gurkhas, recruited by the Singapore police from the hills of faraway Nepal, were kitted out in body armour, Belgian-made FN SCAR combat assault rifles and pistols in leg holsters at the conference, in what some security experts believed was a dry run for the U.S.-North Korea summit. Despite all the advanced weaponry, the Gurkhas do not prepare for battle without the khukri - the heavy curved knife that is their traditional weapon of choice. According to custom, the khukri must draw blood every time it is unsheathed. "They are among the best Singapore can offer, and I am sure they will be involved (in the summit)," said Tim Huxley, an expert on Singapore's armed forces at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). "They remain very much a substantial and frontline force, and the demands of this kind of event are precisely the sort of special operation that the Gurkhas are trained to handle," he said. A spokesman for the Singapore police declined to comment on the deployment of the Gurkhas or their numbers. The IISS Military Balance says 1,800 Gurkhas serve in the Singapore police, across six paramilitary companies. A&nbsplegacy in part of the British colonial era&nbspand more recent pragmatic Singaporean leadership, Singapore's Gurkhas are linked to a British tradition that has recruited and paid for elite regiments of soldiers from Nepal for more than 200 years. Beaten back by the Gurkhas in the 19th century Anglo-Nepalese War and admired for their valour and fighting skills, the colonial British then began to recruit them. Now Gurkhas serve in the British, Indian and Nepalese armies, as well as in Brunei and Singapore. They have fought in both world wars as well as the Falklands conflict and, more recently, in Afghanistan. Huxley said the Gurkhas had long proven to be an asset to Singapore's leadership, providing a neutral force within an ethnically diverse city-state, including VIP and anti-riot protection. At times of regional tension, they have protected international schools, and are often seen at the Malaysia-Singapore border crossings. The Singapore Police website describes the group as "tough, vigilant and steadfast" that operates "across the spectrum of paramilitary operations to help safeguard Singapore". They live with their families in the secure Mount Vernon Camp outside the city, an enclave that ordinary Singaporeans are not allowed to enter. A woman married to a Gurkha who lived in the camp said life there was restricted. "We have a curfew of 12 midnight," she said. "For women, we can let them know if we have a genuine reason to stay out, for men, there is no excuse. "One of the rules we have is that we have to be in bed by 10.30 p.m. every night. This means no music, no nothing. Even if we have a party, we need to stop. If not, there will be some form of enforcement by the people patrolling." Typically recruited at 18 or 19 before being trained in Singapore, the Gurkha soldiers retire at 45 when they are repatriated. While their children attend local schools, Gurkhas are not allowed to marry local women. A handful of ex-British Army officers serve as sworn-in Singapore police in senior leadership, training and organisational roles. "Although they are police, the links between the contingent and the British Army remain deep and strong," one British Army officer said. "They are part of a fine tradition."

With khukris and assault rifles, Singapore's Gurkhas to guard Trump-Kim summit

When US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for their historic summit in Singapore later this month, they will be protected by men from one of the fiercest warrior tribes in the world — the Gurkhas of Nepal.

While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state.

The Gurkhas, who have a low-profile presence in Singapore, were more visible than usual at the weekend as they secured the Shangri-La Hotel for a security conference that included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and other regional ministers.

The Gurkhas, recruited by the Singapore police from the hills of faraway Nepal, were kitted out in body armour, Belgian-made FN SCAR combat assault rifles and pistols in leg holsters at the conference, in what some security experts believed was a dry run for the US-North Korea summit.

Despite all the advanced weaponry, the Gurkhas do not prepare for battle without the khukri&nbsp;— the heavy curved knife that is their traditional weapon of choice. According to custom, the khukri must draw blood every time it is unsheathed.

"They are among the best Singapore can offer, and I am sure they will be involved (in the summit)," said Tim Huxley, an expert on Singapore's armed forces at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

"They remain very much a substantial and frontline force, and the demands of this kind of event are precisely the sort of special operation that the Gurkhas are trained to handle," he said.

A spokesman for the Singapore police declined to comment on the deployment of the Gurkhas or their numbers.

The IISS Military Balance says 1,800 Gurkhas serve in the Singapore police, across six paramilitary companies.

A legacy in part of the British colonial era and more recent pragmatic Singaporean leadership, Singapore's Gurkhas are linked to a British tradition that has recruited and paid for elite regiments of soldiers from Nepal for more than 200 years.

Beaten back by the Gurkhas in the 19th-century Anglo-Nepalese War and admired for their valour and fighting skills, the colonial British then began to recruit them. Now Gurkhas serve in the British, Indian and Nepalese armies, as well as in Brunei and Singapore.

They have fought in both world wars as well as the Falklands conflict and, more recently, in Afghanistan.

<img alt="gurkhas2_0.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/gurkhas2_0.JPG" width="770" />

(Gurkhas guard the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Image source: Reuters)

'TOUGH, VIGILANT AND STEADFAST'

Huxley said the Gurkhas had long proven to be an asset to Singapore's leadership, providing a neutral force within an ethnically diverse city-state, including VIP and anti-riot protection.

At times of regional tension, they have protected international schools, and are often seen at the Malaysia-Singapore border crossings.

The Singapore Police website describes the group as "tough, vigilant and steadfast" that operates "across the spectrum of paramilitary operations to help safeguard Singapore".

They live with their families in the secure Mount Vernon Camp outside the city, an enclave that ordinary Singaporeans are not allowed to enter.

A woman married to a Gurkha who lived in the camp said life there was restricted.

"We have a curfew of 12 midnight," she said. "For women, we can let them know if we have a genuine reason to stay out, for men, there is no excuse.

"One of the rules we have is that we have to be in bed by 10.30 pm&nbsp;every night. This means no music, no nothing. Even if we have a party, we need to stop. If not, there will be some form of enforcement by the people patrolling."

Typically recruited at 18 or 19 before being trained in Singapore, the Gurkha soldiers retire at 45 when they are repatriated. While their children attend local schools, Gurkhas are not allowed to marry local women.

A handful of ex-British Army officers serve as sworn-in Singapore police in senior leadership, training and organisational roles.

"Although they are police, the links between the contingent and the British Army remain deep and strong," one British Army officer said. "They are part of a fine tradition."

When US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for their historic summit in Singapore later this month, they will be protected by men from one of the fiercest warrior tribes in the world — the Gurkhas of Nepal. While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state. The Gurkhas, who have a low-profile presence in Singapore, were more visible than usual at the weekend as they secured the Shangri-La Hotel for a security conference that included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and other regional ministers. The Gurkhas, recruited by the Singapore police from the hills of faraway Nepal, were kitted out in body armour, Belgian-made FN SCAR combat assault rifles and pistols in leg holsters at the conference, in what some security experts believed was a dry run for the US-North Korea summit. Despite all the advanced weaponry, the Gurkhas do not prepare for battle without the khukri — the heavy curved knife that is their traditional weapon of choice. According to custom, the khukri must draw blood every time it is unsheathed. "They are among the best Singapore can offer, and I am sure they will be involved (in the summit)," said Tim Huxley, an expert on Singapore's armed forces at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). "They remain very much a substantial and frontline force, and the demands of this kind of event are precisely the sort of special operation that the Gurkhas are trained to handle," he said. A spokesman for the Singapore police declined to comment on the deployment of the Gurkhas or their numbers. The IISS Military Balance says 1,800 Gurkhas serve in the Singapore police, across six paramilitary companies. A legacy in part of the British colonial era and more recent pragmatic Singaporean leadership, Singapore's Gurkhas are linked to a British tradition that has recruited and paid for elite regiments of soldiers from Nepal for more than 200 years. Beaten back by the Gurkhas in the 19th-century Anglo-Nepalese War and admired for their valour and fighting skills, the colonial British then began to recruit them. Now Gurkhas serve in the British, Indian and Nepalese armies, as well as in Brunei and Singapore. They have fought in both world wars as well as the Falklands conflict and, more recently, in Afghanistan. (Gurkhas guard the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Image source: Reuters) 'TOUGH, VIGILANT AND STEADFAST' Huxley said the Gurkhas had long proven to be an asset to Singapore's leadership, providing a neutral force within an ethnically diverse city-state, including VIP and anti-riot protection. At times of regional tension, they have protected international schools, and are often seen at the Malaysia-Singapore border crossings. The Singapore Police website describes the group as "tough, vigilant and steadfast" that operates "across the spectrum of paramilitary operations to help safeguard Singapore". They live with their families in the secure Mount Vernon Camp outside the city, an enclave that ordinary Singaporeans are not allowed to enter. A woman married to a Gurkha who lived in the camp said life there was restricted. "We have a curfew of 12 midnight," she said. "For women, we can let them know if we have a genuine reason to stay out, for men, there is no excuse. "One of the rules we have is that we have to be in bed by 10.30 pm every night. This means no music, no nothing. Even if we have a party, we need to stop. If not, there will be some form of enforcement by the people patrolling." Typically recruited at 18 or 19 before being trained in Singapore, the Gurkha soldiers retire at 45 when they are repatriated. While their children attend local schools, Gurkhas are not allowed to marry local women. A handful of ex-British Army officers serve as sworn-in Singapore police in senior leadership, training and organisational roles. "Although they are police, the links between the contingent and the British Army remain deep and strong," one British Army officer said. "They are part of a fine tradition."

Trump-Kim Singapore summit to be guarded by Gurkhas

Singapore's communications and Information Minister S Iswaran and priests flown in from India led some 10,000 devotees at a ceremony to re-sanctify a 148-year old Hindu temple here.

The ceremony that began at 9:15 am on Sunday, marked the start of a 48-day consecration process of the temple that underwent renovation for over four years at a cost of nearly SGD 4 million, The Straits Times reported today.

Maha Samprokshanam, as the ceremony is called, is organised every 12 to 15 years in Singapore's Hindu temples, many of which were built by Indian migrants over 100 years ago.

In the four-year process, the temple committee collaborated with artists and technical advisers to review and endorse ideas for the renovation.

The dome and the statues around it were clad in gold-plated copper, while decorative works on the pillars required two sculptors crafting them on site for over three years.

In the main hall, eight cement shrines were replaced with onyx sanctums. The stone, chosen for its durability, were sourced from India and tested at the National University of Singapore for authenticity and hardiness.&nbsp;

The Sri Krishna temple was established in 1870 in Waterloo Street, which was then known as Church Street.

The temple remains at its original site and was gazetted for conservation in June 2014.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Iswaran said the temple showed how Singaporeans shared one another's beliefs and culture, leading to a sense of community and mutual respect.

"One very interesting feature of this temple is the fact that it has appealed to Singaporeans of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds," he said.

In the four-year process, the temple committee collaborated with artists and technical advisers

Singapore's communications and Information Minister S Iswaran and priests flown in from India led some 10,000 devotees at a ceremony to re-sanctify a 148-year old Hindu temple here. The ceremony that began at 9:15 am on Sunday, marked the start of a 48-day consecration process of the temple that underwent renovation for over four years at a cost of nearly SGD 4 million, The Straits Times reported today. Maha Samprokshanam, as the ceremony is called, is organised every 12 to 15 years in Singapore's Hindu temples, many of which were built by Indian migrants over 100 years ago. In the four-year process, the temple committee collaborated with artists and technical advisers to review and endorse ideas for the renovation. The dome and the statues around it were clad in gold-plated copper, while decorative works on the pillars required two sculptors crafting them on site for over three years. In the main hall, eight cement shrines were replaced with onyx sanctums. The stone, chosen for its durability, were sourced from India and tested at the National University of Singapore for authenticity and hardiness. The Sri Krishna temple was established in 1870 in Waterloo Street, which was then known as Church Street. The temple remains at its original site and was gazetted for conservation in June 2014. Speaking to reporters after the event, Iswaran said the temple showed how Singaporeans shared one another's beliefs and culture, leading to a sense of community and mutual respect. "One very interesting feature of this temple is the fact that it has appealed to Singaporeans of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds," he said.

After renovation, Sri Krishna temple re-sanctified in Singapore

As US defence secretary <a href="http://wionews.com/world/mattis-slams-china-on-the-south-china-sea-leaves-adoor-open-for-results-oriented-relationship-141675">Jim Mattis engaged in a war of words</a> with China over the South China Sea, French armed forces minister said French maritime task group along with British ships will visit Singapore and then sail to South China Sea.

Speaking at the annual defence forum in Singapore, French minister Florence Parly said: "By exercising our freedom of navigation, we also place ourselves in the position of a persistent objector to the creation of any claim to de facto sovereignty on the islands."

Although Parley was quick to add that France had no role to play in the South China Sea dispute, the minister said her country was seeking to "broaden" effort “on a regular basis with allies and friends”.

British Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson said that nations must play by the rules, adding that there are "consequences for not doing so". The minister told the summit that three warships would be sent to the region.

China has been conducting regular drills in the South China Sea. It claims Spratly islands in the disputed area rich in mineral resources which is contested by other countries namely - &nbsp;Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan.

Meanwhile, newswire Reuters reported that the US is planning to intensify patrols in order to challenge China. The newswire quoting two officials said the US inteded to carry out closer surveillance of Chinese facilities which included jamming signals and positioning sophisticated radars in the area.

US Defence Secretary had openly questioned China's policy at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The defence secretary said: "China's policy in the South China Sea stands in stark contrast to the openness that our strategy promotes, it calls into question China's broader goals."

"Despite China's claims to the contrary, the placement of weapon systems is tied directly to military use for the purposes of intimidation and coercion," Mattis added.

China hit back saying it was within its sovereign right to deploy troops and weapons on islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

"It's allowed by international law. Anyone who makes carping comments on this is attempting to interfere in China's internal affairs. It's not worthy of refuting," said He Lei, vice president, Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GSEIFT3pEi0" width="560"></iframe>

China hit back saying it was within its sovereign right to deploy troops and weapons on the islands

As US defence secretary Jim Mattis engaged in a war of words with China over the South China Sea, French armed forces minister said French maritime task group along with British ships will visit Singapore and then sail to South China Sea. Speaking at the annual defence forum in Singapore, French minister Florence Parly said: "By exercising our freedom of navigation, we also place ourselves in the position of a persistent objector to the creation of any claim to de facto sovereignty on the islands." Although Parley was quick to add that France had no role to play in the South China Sea dispute, the minister said her country was seeking to "broaden" effort “on a regular basis with allies and friends”. British Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson said that nations must play by the rules, adding that there are "consequences for not doing so". The minister told the summit that three warships would be sent to the region. China has been conducting regular drills in the South China Sea. It claims Spratly islands in the disputed area rich in mineral resources which is contested by other countries namely - Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan. Meanwhile, newswire Reuters reported that the US is planning to intensify patrols in order to challenge China. The newswire quoting two officials said the US inteded to carry out closer surveillance of Chinese facilities which included jamming signals and positioning sophisticated radars in the area. US Defence Secretary had openly questioned China's policy at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The defence secretary said: "China's policy in the South China Sea stands in stark contrast to the openness that our strategy promotes, it calls into question China's broader goals." "Despite China's claims to the contrary, the placement of weapon systems is tied directly to military use for the purposes of intimidation and coercion," Mattis added. China hit back saying it was within its sovereign right to deploy troops and weapons on islands and reefs in the South China Sea. "It's allowed by international law. Anyone who makes carping comments on this is attempting to interfere in China's internal affairs. It's not worthy of refuting," said He Lei, vice president, Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

France, UK to send ships to South China Sea: French minister

Communications and Information Minister S Iswaran and priests flown in from India led some 10,000 devotees at a ceremony to re-sanctify a 148-year old Hindu temple here. 
 
The ceremony that began at 9:15 am yesterday, marked the start of a 48-day consecration process of the temple that underwent renovation for over four years at a cost of nearly SGD 4 million, The Straits Times reported today. 
 
Maha Samprokshanam, as the ceremony is called, is organised every 12 to 15 years in Singapore's Hindu temples, many of which were built by Indian migrants over 100 years ago. 
 
In the four-year process, the temple committee collaborated with artists and technical advisers to review and endorse ideas for the renovation. 
 
The dome and the statues around it were clad in gold-plated copper, while decorative works on the pillars required two sculptors crafting them on site for over three years. 
 
In the main hall, eight cement shrines were replaced with onyx sanctums. The stone, chosen for its durability, were sourced from India and tested at the National University of Singapore for authenticity and hardiness. 
 
The Sri Krishnan Temple was established in 1870 in Waterloo Street, which was then known as Church Street.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>The temple remains at its original site and was gazetted for conservation in June 2014.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Mr Iswaran said the temple showed how Singaporeans shared one another's beliefs and culture, leading to a sense of community and mutual respect. 
 
"One very interesting feature of this temple is the fact that it has appealed to Singaporeans of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds," he said.

Maha Samprokshanam, as the ceremony is called, is organised every 12 to 15 years in Singapore's Hindu temples, many of which were built by Indian migrants over 100 years ago

Communications and Information Minister S Iswaran and priests flown in from India led some 10,000 devotees at a ceremony to re-sanctify a 148-year old Hindu temple here. The ceremony that began at 9:15 am yesterday, marked the start of a 48-day consecration process of the temple that underwent renovation for over four years at a cost of nearly SGD 4 million, The Straits Times reported today. Maha Samprokshanam, as the ceremony is called, is organised every 12 to 15 years in Singapore's Hindu temples, many of which were built by Indian migrants over 100 years ago. In the four-year process, the temple committee collaborated with artists and technical advisers to review and endorse ideas for the renovation. The dome and the statues around it were clad in gold-plated copper, while decorative works on the pillars required two sculptors crafting them on site for over three years. In the main hall, eight cement shrines were replaced with onyx sanctums. The stone, chosen for its durability, were sourced from India and tested at the National University of Singapore for authenticity and hardiness. The Sri Krishnan Temple was established in 1870 in Waterloo Street, which was then known as Church Street. The temple remains at its original site and was gazetted for conservation in June 2014. Speaking to reporters after the event, Mr Iswaran said the temple showed how Singaporeans shared one another's beliefs and culture, leading to a sense of community and mutual respect. "One very interesting feature of this temple is the fact that it has appealed to Singaporeans of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds," he said.

Singapore re-sanctifies 148-year-old Hindu temple

In a latest dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi called him out saying that the interviews he&nbsp;gives are pre-scripted.&nbsp;

Sharing a video of PM Modi in Singapore, Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi was the first Indian 'PM who ‘took spontaneous questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to’.

He wrote on Twitter: “The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did.” &nbsp;

The video was of an interview PM Modi had given at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) last Friday where he was seen answering a question about the challenges faced by Asia.&nbsp;

After PM Modi finished answering in Hindi, his translator then took out a piece of paper and read the same answer in English for the audience which also included facts that PM Modi's answer did not mention.&nbsp;

The Congress has often attacked PM Modi for not holding press conferences and only giving one-on-one interviews and has also said that PM Modi has time and again refused to answer "real questions" posed by opposition leaders and other.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! 
 
Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did. <a href="https://t.co/8Iyfgiaseh">pic.twitter.com/8Iyfgiaseh</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1003557365646389249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sharing a video of PM Modi in Singapore, Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi was the first Indian 'PM who takes 'spontaneous' questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to!’

In a latest dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi called him out saying that the interviews he gives are pre-scripted. Sharing a video of PM Modi in Singapore, Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi was the first Indian 'PM who ‘took spontaneous questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to’. He wrote on Twitter: “The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did.” The video was of an interview PM Modi had given at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) last Friday where he was seen answering a question about the challenges faced by Asia. After PM Modi finished answering in Hindi, his translator then took out a piece of paper and read the same answer in English for the audience which also included facts that PM Modi's answer did not mention. The Congress has often attacked PM Modi for not holding press conferences and only giving one-on-one interviews and has also said that PM Modi has time and again refused to answer "real questions" posed by opposition leaders and other. The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did. pic.twitter.com/8Iyfgiaseh — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 4, 2018 ×

Watch: PM Modi 'doesn't take real questions', says Rahul Gandhi

Singapore has designated a central region of the wealthy city state as a "special event area" from June 10 to 14 for a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the government said on Monday.

The area comprising the districts of Tanglin, Newton and Orchard is where the foreign ministry, the U.S. embassy, and several large hotels are located, including the Shangri-La hotel, mentioned as a possible venue for the June 12 summit.

The announcement was made in the government's online gazette.

There will be a series of meetings between the two countries over the five days that include "lead-in activities" and social events connected with the summit, it added.

Police will make stricter checks of people and personal property and items such as public address systems and remotely piloted aircraft systems will be prohibited, the notice said.

There has been no confirmation of the venue for the summit to discuss ending the North's nuclear weapons programme in return for diplomatic and economic incentives, although several Singapore hotels have figured as candidates.

The area comprising the districts of Tanglin, Newton and Orchard is where the foreign ministry, the U.S. embassy, and several large hotels are located, including the Shangri-La hotel, mentioned as a possible venue for the June 12 summit

Singapore has designated a central region of the wealthy city state as a "special event area" from June 10 to 14 for a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the government said on Monday. The area comprising the districts of Tanglin, Newton and Orchard is where the foreign ministry, the U.S. embassy, and several large hotels are located, including the Shangri-La hotel, mentioned as a possible venue for the June 12 summit. The announcement was made in the government's online gazette. There will be a series of meetings between the two countries over the five days that include "lead-in activities" and social events connected with the summit, it added. Police will make stricter checks of people and personal property and items such as public address systems and remotely piloted aircraft systems will be prohibited, the notice said. There has been no confirmation of the venue for the summit to discuss ending the North's nuclear weapons programme in return for diplomatic and economic incentives, although several Singapore hotels have figured as candidates.

Singapore designates special zone for Trump-Kim summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore's former premier Goh Chok Tong today jointly unveiled a plaque to pay tribute at the immersion site of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes at the waterfront Clifford pier in the city-state.

Over 250 members of Indian diaspora led by Singapore's Emeritus Minister Goh Chok Tong joined the ceremony at the pier, 70 years after a part of the Mahatma's ashes were immeresed in the Singapore water with a plane showering flowers and petals.

Modi, who is here on the last leg of his three-nation tour, unveiled the plaque on the seafront where some of the Mahatma's ashes were immersed in 1948.

"Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and I unveiled a plaque marking the site where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed at the Clifford Pier in Singapore," Modi tweeted.

"Bapu's message reverberates globally. His thoughts and ideals motivate us to work for the greater good of humanity," he said.

Beautiful renditions of 'Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye' and 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram', two favourite bhajans of Mahatma Gandhi, were sung on the occasion.

"Beautiful musical presentation by Singaporean artists on local instruments of 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' - another favourite bhajan of Mahatma at Clifford Pier in the presence of Prime Minister Modi," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

After Gandhi's death in 1948, his ashes were sent to various parts of India and the world, including Singapore, for immersion.

Earlier, Modi met Goh, a veteran leader and an advocate of deeper India-Singapore engagement.

"Had a productive meeting with Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong," Modi tweeted.

Modi and Goh unveiled the plaque at the pier, which is now a heritage landmark in the Fullerton Hotel Complex.

"The unveiling of plaque of the Mahatma is remembrance again of Gandhi as a global figure and his relationship with all his Indian diaspora globally. That is the significance of this event," said Ameerali Jumabhoy, a 93-year old Singaporean businessman, who leads Gandhi Jayanti celebration in Singapore every year as a leading members of the Global People of Indian Origin.

Following the unveiling of the plaque, Gandhi's picture carved in gold leaf and framed in table-top were gifted to people who attended today's ceremony.

Later, Modi visited the National Orchid Garden of Singapore where an orchid was named after him.

He then visited Singapore's oldest Hindu temple Sri Mariamman, Chulia mosque in Chinatown and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.&nbsp;

Modi arrived here&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;on the last leg of his three-nation visit.

Modi unveiled the plaque on the seafront where some of the Mahatma's ashes were immersed in 1948

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore's former premier Goh Chok Tong today jointly unveiled a plaque to pay tribute at the immersion site of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes at the waterfront Clifford pier in the city-state. Over 250 members of Indian diaspora led by Singapore's Emeritus Minister Goh Chok Tong joined the ceremony at the pier, 70 years after a part of the Mahatma's ashes were immeresed in the Singapore water with a plane showering flowers and petals. Modi, who is here on the last leg of his three-nation tour, unveiled the plaque on the seafront where some of the Mahatma's ashes were immersed in 1948. "Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and I unveiled a plaque marking the site where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed at the Clifford Pier in Singapore," Modi tweeted. "Bapu's message reverberates globally. His thoughts and ideals motivate us to work for the greater good of humanity," he said. Beautiful renditions of 'Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye' and 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram', two favourite bhajans of Mahatma Gandhi, were sung on the occasion. "Beautiful musical presentation by Singaporean artists on local instruments of 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' - another favourite bhajan of Mahatma at Clifford Pier in the presence of Prime Minister Modi," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. After Gandhi's death in 1948, his ashes were sent to various parts of India and the world, including Singapore, for immersion. Earlier, Modi met Goh, a veteran leader and an advocate of deeper India-Singapore engagement. "Had a productive meeting with Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong," Modi tweeted. Modi and Goh unveiled the plaque at the pier, which is now a heritage landmark in the Fullerton Hotel Complex. "The unveiling of plaque of the Mahatma is remembrance again of Gandhi as a global figure and his relationship with all his Indian diaspora globally. That is the significance of this event," said Ameerali Jumabhoy, a 93-year old Singaporean businessman, who leads Gandhi Jayanti celebration in Singapore every year as a leading members of the Global People of Indian Origin. Following the unveiling of the plaque, Gandhi's picture carved in gold leaf and framed in table-top were gifted to people who attended today's ceremony. Later, Modi visited the National Orchid Garden of Singapore where an orchid was named after him. He then visited Singapore's oldest Hindu temple Sri Mariamman, Chulia mosque in Chinatown and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. Modi arrived here on Thursday on the last leg of his three-nation visit.

Prime Minister Modi unveils Gandhi's plaque with former Singaporean premier

Only way to sum up Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Southeast Asia is that he showcased his commitment to this region as India's and Asia's joint future. Though he met US Defence Secretary James Mattis, he never let the focus waver from ASEAN. Such was his commitment to ASEAN that it remained central even to his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

He even used his RuPay contactless card to pay for a souvenir to buy a $26&nbsp;Madhubani-Mithila style of painting in Singapore.&nbsp;

He also met Defence Secretary James Mattis&nbsp;at Fullerton Hotel on Saturday and discussed India's role in helping to bring about a peaceful, prosperous and open Asia. It was no pull-aside. Mattis called on him.&nbsp;

Former Singapore prime minister Goh Chok Tong said that Modi's personal initiative will create trust among leaders and will play an important role in fostering bilateral and regional goodwill among nations

Both leaders also unveiled a plaque at Clifford Pier where the ashes of India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in 1948.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30th by a Hindu fanatic Nathuram Godse and his ashes were placed in several urns and sent across the world and within India.

An urn was also sent to Singapore. Indian Government representative John Thivytook scattered the contents of the urn into the sea from Clifford Pier.

But what made the most emotional moment of the day was rendition of Bapu's favourite song Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram by 5 Indian origin girls before Narendra Modi and Goh.

Prime Minister Modi also visited Singapore's Botanic Garden where an orchid - the Dendrobium Narendra Modi - was named after him.

Modi also took a tour of Little India. He walked through Jamae Chulia Mosque, the Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.&nbsp;

He also visited the Indian Heritage Centre, where he launched a cultural platform, Kala Sangam. The platform will invite 12 traditional craftsmen from India annually from 2018. Modi also visited Singapore's frigate and India's INS Satpura stealth frigate at the Changi Naval Base.

A day earlier, the Ministry of Trade had announced that Singapore and India will reduce remove tariffs on 30 products and improve rules of origin and facilitate mutual recognition of nursing standards of CECA between the two countries.

Tariffs on 30 products are expected to be reduced to the level under the free trade agreement between India and ASEAN.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Modi may have met US Defence Secretary James Mattis over his Singapore trip but he never let the focus waver from ASEAN. Such was his commitment to ASEAN that it remained central even to his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue

Only way to sum up Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Southeast Asia is that he showcased his commitment to this region as India's and Asia's joint future. Though he met US Defence Secretary James Mattis, he never let the focus waver from ASEAN. Such was his commitment to ASEAN that it remained central even to his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. He even used his RuPay contactless card to pay for a souvenir to buy a $26 Madhubani-Mithila style of painting in Singapore. He also met Defence Secretary James Mattis at Fullerton Hotel on Saturday and discussed India's role in helping to bring about a peaceful, prosperous and open Asia. It was no pull-aside. Mattis called on him. Former Singapore prime minister Goh Chok Tong said that Modi's personal initiative will create trust among leaders and will play an important role in fostering bilateral and regional goodwill among nations Both leaders also unveiled a plaque at Clifford Pier where the ashes of India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in 1948. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30th by a Hindu fanatic Nathuram Godse and his ashes were placed in several urns and sent across the world and within India. An urn was also sent to Singapore. Indian Government representative John Thivytook scattered the contents of the urn into the sea from Clifford Pier. But what made the most emotional moment of the day was rendition of Bapu's favourite song Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram by 5 Indian origin girls before Narendra Modi and Goh. Prime Minister Modi also visited Singapore's Botanic Garden where an orchid - the Dendrobium Narendra Modi - was named after him. Modi also took a tour of Little India. He walked through Jamae Chulia Mosque, the Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. He also visited the Indian Heritage Centre, where he launched a cultural platform, Kala Sangam. The platform will invite 12 traditional craftsmen from India annually from 2018. Modi also visited Singapore's frigate and India's INS Satpura stealth frigate at the Changi Naval Base. A day earlier, the Ministry of Trade had announced that Singapore and India will reduce remove tariffs on 30 products and improve rules of origin and facilitate mutual recognition of nursing standards of CECA between the two countries. Tariffs on 30 products are expected to be reduced to the level under the free trade agreement between India and ASEAN.

In Singapore, Modi committed himself to Southeast Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis in Singapore, days after the Pentagon renamed its Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command in a largely symbolic move to signal India’s importance to the US military.

Mr Modi, who is here on the last leg of his three-nation tour, held a closed-door meeting with Mr. Mattis during which both sides discussed all security related issues of mutual and global interests, sources said.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue which was addressed by the Prime Minister last night. In his keynote address at the Dialogue, Mr. Modi had said an “Asia of rivalry” will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century. Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other’s interests, he had said.

“We should all have equal access as a right under international law to the use of common spaces on sea and in the air that would require freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law,” he had said.

Mr Mattis also addressed the dialogue where he stressed upon freedom for all and “reaffirmation for rule based order”. The meeting between the two leaders assumes significance as in his address Mr. Mattis has stressed upon both countries working together and with other nations for ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. “It is only appropriate that waterways remain open for all nations,” he said.

The meeting comes days after the U.S. renamed its oldest and largest military command - the Pacific Command - to Indo-Pacific Command, amid heightened tensions with China over the militarisation of the South China Sea. The U.S. move came in the wake of a series of measures by China that have raised tensions in the South China Sea. China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area. The U.S. also rejects China’s claims of ownership of the area. The Pentagon’s move is also reflective of the growing importance of India in U.S. strategic thinking.

India was granted the ‘Major Defence Partner’ status by the previous Barack Obama Administration, providing for transfer of technology and deeper cooperation in the defence sector. In 2016, India and the U.S. had signed a crucial logistics defence pact enabling their militaries to use each other’s assets and bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, making joint operations more efficient. Soon after coming to power, the Trump administration had renamed Asia Pacific as Indo-Pacific and identified India as one bookend of the region.

On last day of his three-day visit to Singapore on Saturday, Prime Minister Modi met US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis in Singapore, days after the Pentagon renamed its Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command in a largely symbolic move to signal India’s importance to the US military. Mr Modi, who is here on the last leg of his three-nation tour, held a closed-door meeting with Mr. Mattis during which both sides discussed all security related issues of mutual and global interests, sources said. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue which was addressed by the Prime Minister last night. In his keynote address at the Dialogue, Mr. Modi had said an “Asia of rivalry” will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century. Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other’s interests, he had said. “We should all have equal access as a right under international law to the use of common spaces on sea and in the air that would require freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law,” he had said. Mr Mattis also addressed the dialogue where he stressed upon freedom for all and “reaffirmation for rule based order”. The meeting between the two leaders assumes significance as in his address Mr. Mattis has stressed upon both countries working together and with other nations for ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. “It is only appropriate that waterways remain open for all nations,” he said. The meeting comes days after the U.S. renamed its oldest and largest military command - the Pacific Command - to Indo-Pacific Command, amid heightened tensions with China over the militarisation of the South China Sea. The U.S. move came in the wake of a series of measures by China that have raised tensions in the South China Sea. China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area. The U.S. also rejects China’s claims of ownership of the area. The Pentagon’s move is also reflective of the growing importance of India in U.S. strategic thinking. India was granted the ‘Major Defence Partner’ status by the previous Barack Obama Administration, providing for transfer of technology and deeper cooperation in the defence sector. In 2016, India and the U.S. had signed a crucial logistics defence pact enabling their militaries to use each other’s assets and bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, making joint operations more efficient. Soon after coming to power, the Trump administration had renamed Asia Pacific as Indo-Pacific and identified India as one bookend of the region.

In a boost to Indo-US strategic ties, PM Narendra Modi meets US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis in Singapore

US President Donald Trump today confirmed that he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a historic summit in Singapore on June 12.

Trump's announcement came at the end of a two-hour meeting in the Oval Office of the White House with North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol, who had travelled from New York after two days of talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Kim Yong Chol delivered a letter from the North Korean leader to Trump.

"We are meeting with the Chairman (Kim Jong-un) on June 12 (in Singapore). It is ultimately going to be a successful process," Trump said immediately after Kim Yong Chol left the White House.

"I will travel to Singapore on June 12. Relationships are building. It will be a beginning...I never said that it will happen in one meeting. I think we will have a very positive result in one meeting," the president said.

It was a letter presentation which ended up with a two-hour conversation, Trump said, adding that the meeting was with the second most powerful man in North Korea.

"Good meeting today. I think, it is a great start," he said in response to a question.

"We talked about a lot of things," he said adding that it also included US sanctions on North Korea.

"The big thing will be on June 12. The process will begin on June 12 in Singapore," said the US president.&nbsp;

Before heading back to the Oval Office, Trump told reporters he has not read Kim's letter delivered to him by the North Korean envoy.

He said he asked the envoy if he should read it during the meeting, and was told he could read it later.

"We are meeting with the Chairman (Kim Jong-un) on June 12 (in Singapore). It is ultimately going to be a successful process," Trump said

US President Donald Trump today confirmed that he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a historic summit in Singapore on June 12. Trump's announcement came at the end of a two-hour meeting in the Oval Office of the White House with North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol, who had travelled from New York after two days of talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Kim Yong Chol delivered a letter from the North Korean leader to Trump. "We are meeting with the Chairman (Kim Jong-un) on June 12 (in Singapore). It is ultimately going to be a successful process," Trump said immediately after Kim Yong Chol left the White House. "I will travel to Singapore on June 12. Relationships are building. It will be a beginning...I never said that it will happen in one meeting. I think we will have a very positive result in one meeting," the president said. It was a letter presentation which ended up with a two-hour conversation, Trump said, adding that the meeting was with the second most powerful man in North Korea. "Good meeting today. I think, it is a great start," he said in response to a question. "We talked about a lot of things," he said adding that it also included US sanctions on North Korea. "The big thing will be on June 12. The process will begin on June 12 in Singapore," said the US president. Before heading back to the Oval Office, Trump told reporters he has not read Kim's letter delivered to him by the North Korean envoy. He said he asked the envoy if he should read it during the meeting, and was told he could read it later.

Historic summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un is back on for June 12 in Singapore: Donald Trump

Singapore will bear some of the cost of the planned summit between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, its defence minister Ng Eng Hen said on Saturday, a day after Trump put the meeting back on agenda.

Kim's trip to Singapore, which would be the furthest he would have travelled as leader, poses logistical challenges that are likely to include using Soviet-era aircraft to carry him and his limousine, as well as dozens of security and other staff.

The Washington Post reported earlier that some unresolved logistical issues relating to the summit were who would pay the hotel bills of the leader of the cash-strapped country, whose economy has been squeezed by a series of UN&nbsp;and unilateral sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Singapore, a small but wealthy Southeast Asian city-state, is determined to successfully host the summit and is willing to foot at least some of the bill.

"Obviously yes, but it is a cost that we're willing to bear to play a small part in this historic meeting," Ng told reporters without elaborating, when asked if Singapore will be bearing the cost of the summit, which is scheduled for June 12.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-summit-back-on-but-who-will-pay-for-kims-hotel-room-141802">Trump says summit back on but who will pay for Kim's hotel room?</a>&nbsp;

Kim Chang Son, the de facto chief of staff for the North Korean government was seen this week at The Fullerton, a centrally located, five-star hotel that is a refurbished government building overlooking the Singapore river. Media reports said he was in Singapore to meet US&nbsp;officials to work out logistics for the summit

The Fullerton was North Korea's lodging of choice, the Washington Post said. The presidential suite may set the government back by at least 8,000 Singapore dollars ($6,000) a night, it said.

The hotel declined to povide the room charge for the presidential suite.

There was no confirmation on the location for the meeting between Kim and Trump although there are a number of sites in Singapore that can guarantee security protection, including hotels that have experience hosting high-security events, local media and a Singapore government official said.

Among the potential venues mentioned as the site of the summit include the Shangri-la Hotel, which hosted Indian Prime Minister and defense chiefs from around the world this weekend, and the Capella hotel on the resort island of Sentosa.

The 348-square meter Shangri-la Suite in the Valley Wing of the Shangri-la was priced at S$10,000 for the June 12 night.

The statement was made by Singapore defence minister Ng Eng Hen. One of the tricky questions around the summit has been: Who will pay for Kim Jong-Un's hotel room?

Singapore will bear some of the cost of the planned summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, its defence minister Ng Eng Hen said on Saturday, a day after Trump put the meeting back on agenda. Kim's trip to Singapore, which would be the furthest he would have travelled as leader, poses logistical challenges that are likely to include using Soviet-era aircraft to carry him and his limousine, as well as dozens of security and other staff. The Washington Post reported earlier that some unresolved logistical issues relating to the summit were who would pay the hotel bills of the leader of the cash-strapped country, whose economy has been squeezed by a series of UN and unilateral sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Singapore, a small but wealthy Southeast Asian city-state, is determined to successfully host the summit and is willing to foot at least some of the bill. "Obviously yes, but it is a cost that we're willing to bear to play a small part in this historic meeting," Ng told reporters without elaborating, when asked if Singapore will be bearing the cost of the summit, which is scheduled for June 12. Also read: Trump says summit back on but who will pay for Kim's hotel room? Kim Chang Son, the de facto chief of staff for the North Korean government was seen this week at The Fullerton, a centrally located, five-star hotel that is a refurbished government building overlooking the Singapore river. Media reports said he was in Singapore to meet US officials to work out logistics for the summit The Fullerton was North Korea's lodging of choice, the Washington Post said. The presidential suite may set the government back by at least 8,000 Singapore dollars ($6,000) a night, it said. The hotel declined to povide the room charge for the presidential suite. There was no confirmation on the location for the meeting between Kim and Trump although there are a number of sites in Singapore that can guarantee security protection, including hotels that have experience hosting high-security events, local media and a Singapore government official said. Among the potential venues mentioned as the site of the summit include the Shangri-la Hotel, which hosted Indian Prime Minister and defense chiefs from around the world this weekend, and the Capella hotel on the resort island of Sentosa. The 348-square meter Shangri-la Suite in the Valley Wing of the Shangri-la was priced at S$10,000 for the June 12 night.

Singapore will bear some costs of Trump-Kim summit: Defence Minister

Trump announced early Saturday morning that his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was back on.&nbsp

He made his announcement after meeting at the White House with Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol.&nbsp

Chol delivered a letter from Kim to Trump, after which Trump said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/historic-summit-with-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-is-back-on-for-june-12-in-singapore-donald-trump-141676">summit was back on</a>.&nbsp

Trump had only last week called off the summit citing "open hostility" from Kim

Trump and Kim will now be meeting — as planned earlier — on June 12 in Singapore.&nbsp

News reports said the two sides — the US and North Korea — are currently and furiously planning the summit on an island resort off Singapore.&nbsp

The reports said the discussions between the two sides are being spearheaded by the White House deputy chief of staff Joe Hagin and Kim's de-facto chief of staff, Kim Chang Son.&nbsp

One of the questions the two sides are grappling with is: Who is going to pay for Kim's hotel room?&nbsp

The reports said North Korea would like for Kim to be put up at Singapore's Fullerton hotel, described as a magnificient neoclassical hotel where just one presidential suite costs more than Rs 4 lakh a night.&nbsp

<img alt="the fullerton.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/the%20fullerton.jpg" width="770" />

(The Fullerton hotel. Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

The reports added that the US is open to paying Kim's bills but that North Korea might view that as an insult.&nbsp

The compromise that is then reportedly being worked out is that the US might ask Singapore — the host nation — to pay for Kim's room.&nbsp

North Korea would like for Kim to be put up at Singapore's Fullerton hotel, described as a magnificient neoclassical hotel where just one presidential suite costs more than Rs 4 lakh a night

Trump announced early Saturday morning that his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was back on. He made his announcement after meeting at the White House with Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol. Chol delivered a letter from Kim to Trump, after which Trump said the summit was back on. Trump had only last week called off the summit citing "open hostility" from Kim Trump and Kim will now be meeting — as planned earlier — on June 12 in Singapore. News reports said the two sides — the US and North Korea — are currently and furiously planning the summit on an island resort off Singapore. The reports said the discussions between the two sides are being spearheaded by the White House deputy chief of staff Joe Hagin and Kim's de-facto chief of staff, Kim Chang Son. One of the questions the two sides are grappling with is: Who is going to pay for Kim's hotel room? The reports said North Korea would like for Kim to be put up at Singapore's Fullerton hotel, described as a magnificient neoclassical hotel where just one presidential suite costs more than Rs 4 lakh a night. (The Fullerton hotel. Image source: Wikimedia Commons) The reports added that the US is open to paying Kim's bills but that North Korea might view that as an insult. The compromise that is then reportedly being worked out is that the US might ask Singapore — the host nation — to pay for Kim's room.

Trump says summit back on but who will pay for Kim's hotel room? 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday, where he said "solutions cannot be found behind walls of protection, but in embracing change".&nbsp;

Modi added that India stands for an open and stable international trade regime. "What we seek is a level playing field for all," he said. &nbsp;

Modi said that "this is a world of inter-dependent fortunes and failures. No nation can shape and secure it on its own. It is a world that summons us to rise above divisions and competition to work together."&nbsp;

He then asked if that was possible, replying in the affirmative. "Yes it is possible. I see ASEAN as an example and inspiration."&nbsp;

"India stands for a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific region, which embraces us all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity. It includes all nations in this geography as also others beyond who have a stake in it," said Modi.&nbsp;

"India-China cooperation is expanding. Trade is growing. And, we have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border. There is growing intersection in our international presence," Modi added.&nbsp;

"The Indian Ocean has shaped much of India's history. It now holds the key to our future. The ocean carries 90% of India's trade and our energy sources. It is also the lifeline of global commerce," said Modi.&nbsp;

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For thousands of years Indians have turned to the east not just to see the sun rise but also to pray for its light to spread over the world: PM Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Singapore?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Singapore</a> <a href="https://t.co/itR1VvtHEV">pic.twitter.com/itR1VvtHEV</a>
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The Shangri-La Dialogue is a "Track One" inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The forum is attended by defence ministers, ministry heads, and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. The dialogue gets its name from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002.

Modi was delivering the dialogue's keynote address in Singapore. 'This is a world of inter-dependent fortunes and failures. No nation can shape and secure it on its own,' he said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday, where he said "solutions cannot be found behind walls of protection, but in embracing change". Modi added that India stands for an open and stable international trade regime. "What we seek is a level playing field for all," he said. Modi said that "this is a world of inter-dependent fortunes and failures. No nation can shape and secure it on its own. It is a world that summons us to rise above divisions and competition to work together." He then asked if that was possible, replying in the affirmative. "Yes it is possible. I see ASEAN as an example and inspiration." "India stands for a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific region, which embraces us all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity. It includes all nations in this geography as also others beyond who have a stake in it," said Modi. "India-China cooperation is expanding. Trade is growing. And, we have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border. There is growing intersection in our international presence," Modi added. "The Indian Ocean has shaped much of India's history. It now holds the key to our future. The ocean carries 90% of India's trade and our energy sources. It is also the lifeline of global commerce," said Modi. With each Southeast Asian country, we have growing political, economic and defence ties: PM Narendra Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue in #Singapore pic.twitter.com/K88vElpoOo — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2018 × For thousands of years Indians have turned to the east not just to see the sun rise but also to pray for its light to spread over the world: PM Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue in #Singapore pic.twitter.com/itR1VvtHEV — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2018 × The Shangri-La Dialogue is a "Track One" inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The forum is attended by defence ministers, ministry heads, and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. The dialogue gets its name from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002.

This is a world that 'summons us to rise above divisions,' says Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue

As part of government's <a href="http://wionews.com/world/pm-modi-may-meet-us-defence-secretary-mattis-at-shangri-la-dialogue-141447">'Act East policy', PM Modi and Singapore prime minister</a> Lee Hsien Loong met today to issue a joint statement ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue later on Friday.

"India and Singapore have signed several MoUs, including in defence," Loong said. The Singapore prime minister said India is a long-standing friend of the country and he was happy to host the Indian prime minister.

Expanding on Singapore prime minister's statement, PM Modi said relations between the two countries is smooth.

"Economic cooperation will be increased," Modi said, adding," Singapore is an important source of FDI for India."

The Indian prime minister said the two countries were engaged in "digital cooperation" while pitching for stronger India-Singapore ties.

India and Singapore will review the air service soon, the prime minister informed.

"India and Singapore Navy will start joint naval excercise,"&nbsp;the PM said during the joint statement.

The navies of the two countries have already signed an agreement.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zz_0XHd6efM" width="560"></iframe>

Expanding on Singapore prime minister's statement, PM Modi said relations between the two countries is smooth.

As part of government's 'Act East policy', PM Modi and Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong met today to issue a joint statement ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue later on Friday. "India and Singapore have signed several MoUs, including in defence," Loong said. The Singapore prime minister said India is a long-standing friend of the country and he was happy to host the Indian prime minister. Expanding on Singapore prime minister's statement, PM Modi said relations between the two countries is smooth. "Economic cooperation will be increased," Modi said, adding," Singapore is an important source of FDI for India." The Indian prime minister said the two countries were engaged in "digital cooperation" while pitching for stronger India-Singapore ties. India and Singapore will review the air service soon, the prime minister informed. "India and Singapore Navy will start joint naval excercise," the PM said during the joint statement. The navies of the two countries have already signed an agreement.

India and Singapore navies to start joint exercises: PM Modi

India and China must connect more "without any conflict", Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday.&nbsp;

"In human history, India and China have dominated global trade for centuries. At the same time, there was no conflict. We must think of furthering connectivity without any conflict," Modi said.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at Nanyang Technical University in Singapore, where he is slated to deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue Friday evening.&nbsp;

The Shangri-La Dialogue is a "track one" inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The forum is attended by defence ministers, ministry heads, and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. The dialogue gets its name from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002.

Modi added that the 21st century belongs to Asia.&nbsp;

"The entire world is convinced that 21st century belongs to Asia. What is important is if we Asians feel the same," Modi said.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Narendra Modi interacts with students and professors at Nanyang Technical University in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Singapore?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Singapore</a> <a href="https://t.co/JCP8z0qf4Q">https://t.co/JCP8z0qf4Q</a>
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And he talked of the benefits of technology.&nbsp;

"Technology is what empowers people. A technology-driven society breaks social barriers. Technology has to be affordable and user-friendly. We should not see every disruption as destruction. People were apprehensive about computers but see how computers changed human history," Modi added.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at Nanyang Technical University in Singapore, where he is slated to deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue Friday evening

India and China must connect more "without any conflict", Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday. "In human history, India and China have dominated global trade for centuries. At the same time, there was no conflict. We must think of furthering connectivity without any conflict," Modi said. Modi was speaking at Nanyang Technical University in Singapore, where he is slated to deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue Friday evening. The Shangri-La Dialogue is a "track one" inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The forum is attended by defence ministers, ministry heads, and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. The dialogue gets its name from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002. Modi added that the 21st century belongs to Asia. "The entire world is convinced that 21st century belongs to Asia. What is important is if we Asians feel the same," Modi said. #WATCH: PM Narendra Modi interacts with students and professors at Nanyang Technical University in #Singapore https://t.co/JCP8z0qf4Q — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2018 × In human history, India and China have dominated global trade for centuries. At the same time, there was no conflict. We must think of furthering connectivity without any conflict: PM Narendra Modi at Nanyang Technical University #Singapore pic.twitter.com/rWSdNqCD9r — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2018 × And he talked of the benefits of technology. "Technology is what empowers people. A technology-driven society breaks social barriers. Technology has to be affordable and user-friendly. We should not see every disruption as destruction. People were apprehensive about computers but see how computers changed human history," Modi added.

India, China must connect more 'without any conflict': Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is delivering the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.&nbsp;

"Singapore shows that when nations stand behind principles, not one country or the other, they gain global respect," Modi said in Singapore.

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The Shangri-La Dialogue is a "track one" inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The forum is attended by defence ministers, ministry heads, and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. The dialogue gets its name from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002.

'Singapore shows that when nations stand behind principles, not one country or the other, they gain global respect,' Modi said in Singapore

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is delivering the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. "Singapore shows that when nations stand behind principles, not one country or the other, they gain global respect," Modi said in Singapore. The Shangri-La Dialogue is a "track one" inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The forum is attended by defence ministers, ministry heads, and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. The dialogue gets its name from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002.

Watch live: PM Modi delivers keynote address at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today handed over the Padma Shri award, one of India's highest civilian awards, to former Singaporean diplomat Tommy Koh here.

Koh was among 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) receipts of the prestigious award this year.

"Prof Tommy Koh, former diplomat of Singapore, was handed over the Padma Shri award by Prime Minister Modi in the presence of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The award was announced in January 2018 on the occasion of silver jubilee of India ASEAN partnership and our Republic Day," said Raveesh Kumar, Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs.

Koh, 80, has served as Singapore's ambassador to the US and the UN, and as president of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea in 1981 and 1982.

He is currently chairman of the board of governors of the Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore.

Koh was chief negotiator for the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, and was in the team that successfully argued the case for Singapore's claim to Pedra Branca at the International Court of Justice. He is also a key figure in Singapore's semi-official strategic dialogues with Asia's three most powerful nations - China, Japan and India.

Beyond diplomacy, Koh has also been a champion of the arts, the environment and civil society, and an outspoken advocate of civic engagement.

Koh said he is "very honoured and grateful" to receive the award.

Koh, 80, has served as Singapore's ambassador to the US and the UN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today handed over the Padma Shri award, one of India's highest civilian awards, to former Singaporean diplomat Tommy Koh here. Koh was among 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) receipts of the prestigious award this year. "Prof Tommy Koh, former diplomat of Singapore, was handed over the Padma Shri award by Prime Minister Modi in the presence of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The award was announced in January 2018 on the occasion of silver jubilee of India ASEAN partnership and our Republic Day," said Raveesh Kumar, Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs. Koh, 80, has served as Singapore's ambassador to the US and the UN, and as president of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea in 1981 and 1982. He is currently chairman of the board of governors of the Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore. Koh was chief negotiator for the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, and was in the team that successfully argued the case for Singapore's claim to Pedra Branca at the International Court of Justice. He is also a key figure in Singapore's semi-official strategic dialogues with Asia's three most powerful nations - China, Japan and India. Beyond diplomacy, Koh has also been a champion of the arts, the environment and civil society, and an outspoken advocate of civic engagement. Koh said he is "very honoured and grateful" to receive the award.

PM Modi hands Padma Shri to ex-Singapore diplomat Tommy Koh

PM Modi met Malaysia's newly-elected prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday morning.

The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest. The Indian prime minister arrived in Malaysia today as part of the second-leg of his three-nation tour.

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Malaysia: Prime Minister Modi meets Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad in Kuala Lumpur. <a href="https://t.co/2ZL9bEnhdO">pic.twitter.com/2ZL9bEnhdO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002038863727079425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Indian prime minister will be travelling to Singapore next.

Ahead of the visit, Jawed Ashraf, India's High Commissioner to Singapore said India has been intensely engaged as a part of PM's Act East policy in the region.&nbsp

PM Modi will be delivering a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. 
&nbsp

The Indian prime minister arrived in Malaysia today as part of the second-leg of his three-nation tour.

PM Modi met Malaysia's newly-elected prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday morning. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest. The Indian prime minister arrived in Malaysia today as part of the second-leg of his three-nation tour. Malaysia: Prime Minister Modi meets Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad in Kuala Lumpur. pic.twitter.com/2ZL9bEnhdO — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × The Indian prime minister will be travelling to Singapore next. Ahead of the visit, Jawed Ashraf, India's High Commissioner to Singapore said India has been intensely engaged as a part of PM's Act East policy in the region. PM Modi will be delivering a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

PM Modi meets Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Singapore on Thursday afternoon for his three-day-visit and was welcomed by the Indian community with full enthusiasm and warmth. This visit is said to be crucial for the Act East Policy.&nbsp;

"There is a great deal of anticipation and expectations on what&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is about the Indo-Pacific region," New Delhi's envoy to Singapore, Jawed Ashraf&nbsp;told ANI in an interview.

"We have strong bilateral relationships and a productive, meaningful partnership in the international platform. Singapore is really a springboard, a gateway to South East Asia. It is also a very important defence partner of India. We have the longest running uninterrupted naval exercises and we train together every year, across the three wings of the armed forces," said Ashraf.

The four pillars of the India-Singapore partnership are strategic, economic, innovation and technology, human and cultural links, he added.

India and Singapore are also working in areas like humanitarian assistance in disaster relief, keeping the seas safe, and boosting tourism.

The Prime Minister would be joining a wide range of programmes during this visit. Foreign Minister Raveesh Kumar said that other than meeting the big leadership of Singapore, PM Modi would also deliver keynote address at the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the Indian Heritage Centre in Little India, where he will launch a permanent platform to bring Indian artisans, craftsmen to showcase their crafts to support rural livelihood. Furthermore, he will be launching schemes like Bheem, RuPay, which is a new Domestic Card Payment Scheme, to take Digital India to a new level.

Eight agreements in collaboration with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) would be signed for higher education, technology and research work during the Prime Minister's visit.

PM Modi is set to visit India-Singapore Enterprise and Innovation exhibitions at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre today which will address topics related to social impact - how can they work towards making changes in health, education, water and agriculture.&nbsp;

After which he will be attending a business and community event with nearly 5,000 people in attendance.&nbsp;

On Friday, he is scheduled to visit the Arjuna's Chariot and the Istiqal Mosque. He will then go to the Indian Heritage Centre, where he is expected to launch a platform to bring Indian artisans and craftsmen to showcase their work to support rural livelihood.

Finally, he will be visiting the Changi Naval Base, where he will be interacting with the naval officers and sailors.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a MoU between Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Singapore was signed on Wednesday, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in the country on a three-day visit.

Singapore startups can now gain faster entry to India's vibrant startup ecosystem to form partnerships and co-innovate with Indian startups, said ESG in a statement yesterday.

As a start, TiE Singapore will be running a startup mission in July with 10 Singapore startups to meet with Indian startups, corporates, mentors and investors to partner and co-innovate solutions in fintech, e-services and deeptech.

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The Indian community accorded a warm welcome to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> in Singapore. The Prime Minister would be joining a wide range of programmes during his Singapore visit. <a href="https://t.co/KHz656LWj2">pic.twitter.com/KHz656LWj2</a>
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&nbsp;

The Prime Minister would be joining a wide range of programmes during this visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Singapore on Thursday afternoon for his three-day-visit and was welcomed by the Indian community with full enthusiasm and warmth. This visit is said to be crucial for the Act East Policy. "There is a great deal of anticipation and expectations on what Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is about the Indo-Pacific region," New Delhi's envoy to Singapore, Jawed Ashraf told ANI in an interview. "We have strong bilateral relationships and a productive, meaningful partnership in the international platform. Singapore is really a springboard, a gateway to South East Asia. It is also a very important defence partner of India. We have the longest running uninterrupted naval exercises and we train together every year, across the three wings of the armed forces," said Ashraf. The four pillars of the India-Singapore partnership are strategic, economic, innovation and technology, human and cultural links, he added. India and Singapore are also working in areas like humanitarian assistance in disaster relief, keeping the seas safe, and boosting tourism. The Prime Minister would be joining a wide range of programmes during this visit. Foreign Minister Raveesh Kumar said that other than meeting the big leadership of Singapore, PM Modi would also deliver keynote address at the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the Indian Heritage Centre in Little India, where he will launch a permanent platform to bring Indian artisans, craftsmen to showcase their crafts to support rural livelihood. Furthermore, he will be launching schemes like Bheem, RuPay, which is a new Domestic Card Payment Scheme, to take Digital India to a new level. Eight agreements in collaboration with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) would be signed for higher education, technology and research work during the Prime Minister's visit. PM Modi is set to visit India-Singapore Enterprise and Innovation exhibitions at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre today which will address topics related to social impact - how can they work towards making changes in health, education, water and agriculture. After which he will be attending a business and community event with nearly 5,000 people in attendance. On Friday, he is scheduled to visit the Arjuna's Chariot and the Istiqal Mosque. He will then go to the Indian Heritage Centre, where he is expected to launch a platform to bring Indian artisans and craftsmen to showcase their work to support rural livelihood. Finally, he will be visiting the Changi Naval Base, where he will be interacting with the naval officers and sailors. Meanwhile, a MoU between Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Singapore was signed on Wednesday, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in the country on a three-day visit. Singapore startups can now gain faster entry to India's vibrant startup ecosystem to form partnerships and co-innovate with Indian startups, said ESG in a statement yesterday. As a start, TiE Singapore will be running a startup mission in July with 10 Singapore startups to meet with Indian startups, corporates, mentors and investors to partner and co-innovate solutions in fintech, e-services and deeptech. The Indian community accorded a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi in Singapore. The Prime Minister would be joining a wide range of programmes during his Singapore visit. pic.twitter.com/KHz656LWj2 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 31, 2018 ×

PM Modi arrives in Singapore, visit set to be crucial for Act East Policy

Malaysia is cancelling a project to build a high-speed rail link between its capital, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, and will talk with its southern neighbour about any compensation Malaysia has to pay, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday.

Mahathir, the 92-year-old who triumphed in a general election this month, has made it a priority to cut the national debt and pledged to review big projects agreed by his predecessor that he says are expensive and have no financial benefit.

"It is a final decision, but it will take time because we have an agreement with Singapore," Mahathir told a news conference referring to his scrapping of the project, valued by analysts at about $17 billion.

The project is out for tender and was scheduled to be completed by 2026.

Mahathir said Malaysia may have to pay about 500 million ringgit ($125.63 million) to Singapore to get out of the deal.

Singapore's government did not immediately have any comment on Mahathir's vow to scrap the project.

Companies from China, Japan, South Korea and Europe were eyeing a contract to build, operate and finance the trains and the rail assets, sources close to the bidding process had told Reuters.

Even picking a winner was expected to test ties between Malaysia and Singapore, which have been frosty since the end of the colonial era in the 1960s, against the backdrop of broader tension over China's growing influence in the region.

About 90 percent of the rail network was set to be in Malaysia, including a terminal in Bandar Malaysia, a big property development owned by scandal-hit state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

A $1.7 billion deal to sell a majority stake in Bandar Malaysia to a Malaysian-Chinese consortium fell through in May 2017. A year on, the project has failed to attract any buyers.

Mahathir has reopened an investigation into 1MDB following his election victory. It is being investigated in other countries, including the United States.

Properties linked to former prime minister Najib Razak have been searched as part of the investigation, and Najib has given statements to an anti-graft agency.

Najib has long denied any wrongdoing.

Mahathir said his government was also in the process of renegotiating with Chinese partners over the terms of a $14 billion rail deal aimed at connecting the South China Sea at the Thai border in the east with the strategic shipping routes of the Straits of Malacca in the west.

He estimates that Malaysia could cut almost a fifth of its $250 billion national debt and liabilities by scrapping such big projects.

Mahathir, the 92-year-old who triumphed in a general election this month, has made it a priority to cut the national debt and pledged to review big projects agreed by his predecessor that he says are expensive and have no financial benefit

Malaysia is cancelling a project to build a high-speed rail link between its capital, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, and will talk with its southern neighbour about any compensation Malaysia has to pay, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday. Mahathir, the 92-year-old who triumphed in a general election this month, has made it a priority to cut the national debt and pledged to review big projects agreed by his predecessor that he says are expensive and have no financial benefit. "It is a final decision, but it will take time because we have an agreement with Singapore," Mahathir told a news conference referring to his scrapping of the project, valued by analysts at about $17 billion. The project is out for tender and was scheduled to be completed by 2026. Mahathir said Malaysia may have to pay about 500 million ringgit ($125.63 million) to Singapore to get out of the deal. Singapore's government did not immediately have any comment on Mahathir's vow to scrap the project. Companies from China, Japan, South Korea and Europe were eyeing a contract to build, operate and finance the trains and the rail assets, sources close to the bidding process had told Reuters. Even picking a winner was expected to test ties between Malaysia and Singapore, which have been frosty since the end of the colonial era in the 1960s, against the backdrop of broader tension over China's growing influence in the region. About 90 percent of the rail network was set to be in Malaysia, including a terminal in Bandar Malaysia, a big property development owned by scandal-hit state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). A $1.7 billion deal to sell a majority stake in Bandar Malaysia to a Malaysian-Chinese consortium fell through in May 2017. A year on, the project has failed to attract any buyers. Mahathir has reopened an investigation into 1MDB following his election victory. It is being investigated in other countries, including the United States. Properties linked to former prime minister Najib Razak have been searched as part of the investigation, and Najib has given statements to an anti-graft agency. Najib has long denied any wrongdoing. Mahathir said his government was also in the process of renegotiating with Chinese partners over the terms of a $14 billion rail deal aimed at connecting the South China Sea at the Thai border in the east with the strategic shipping routes of the Straits of Malacca in the west. He estimates that Malaysia could cut almost a fifth of its $250 billion national debt and liabilities by scrapping such big projects.

Malaysia axes project to build high-speed rail link with Singapore

Singapore's third derivatives exchange kicked off trading&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;with the launch of palm oil futures, as the largely China-backed bourse looks to get a foothold in the region in preparation for other contracts down the line.

The Asia Pacific Exchange (APEX) hopes the US&nbsp;dollar-denominated palm olein futures will give traders another option beyond benchmark ringgit-denominated contracts and is touting the market as a place for Southeast Asian sellers and other international players to get access to Chinese buyers.

"Right now, China's market is more domestic, we are trying to bring out the Chinese market to international players," APEX's Chief Executive Eugene Zhu told reporters after the launch.

APEX's September palm olein futures contract opened at $635 a tonne and was last down 0.3 percent. A November contract was up 1.7 percent after opening at $650 a tonne.

"Traded volume in the first half-hour seems very good, but we need to see if this is just first-day euphoria or if the market can sustain," said a palm oil futures trader in Kuala Lumpur. He declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak with media.

Under the contracts, palm olein is for physical delivery, on a Free on Board (FOB) basis, at Pasir Gudang and Port Klang in Malaysia, while in Indonesia, it is for delivery at Belawan and Dumai ports. Those two countries produce nearly 90 percent of the world's palm oil, used to churn out products ranging from chocolate to soap.

APEX's major shareholders include Chinese conglomerate CEFC China Energy, Chinese futures commission merchant Xinhua Group and other international investment funds.

China is the world's No.2 buyer of palm oil, with the commodity comprising about 70 percent of its edible oil imports.

Zhu, the former head of the Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE), said the palm futures would complement other exchanges in the region.

"There will arbitrage opportunities and it will help to generate more volumes for all the exchanges," Zhu said.

The benchmark palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange was trading down 1.1 percent&nbsp;on Friday, while the most-active palm olein contract on the DCE had eased slightly.

Bursa Malaysia launched dollar-denominated crude palm oil and palm olein contracts over the last decade, but Kuala Lumpur-based traders said trading volumes for both contracts are close to zero due to a lack of market makers.

APEX plans to offer other futures and options based on commodities from sectors including agriculture, energy, petrochemicals and metals, as well as on interest rates and stock indices.

'Right now, China's market is more domestic, we are trying to bring out the Chinese market to international players,' APEX's Chief Executive Eugene Zhu said

Singapore's third derivatives exchange kicked off trading on Friday with the launch of palm oil futures, as the largely China-backed bourse looks to get a foothold in the region in preparation for other contracts down the line. The Asia Pacific Exchange (APEX) hopes the US dollar-denominated palm olein futures will give traders another option beyond benchmark ringgit-denominated contracts and is touting the market as a place for Southeast Asian sellers and other international players to get access to Chinese buyers. "Right now, China's market is more domestic, we are trying to bring out the Chinese market to international players," APEX's Chief Executive Eugene Zhu told reporters after the launch. APEX's September palm olein futures contract opened at $635 a tonne and was last down 0.3 percent. A November contract was up 1.7 percent after opening at $650 a tonne. "Traded volume in the first half-hour seems very good, but we need to see if this is just first-day euphoria or if the market can sustain," said a palm oil futures trader in Kuala Lumpur. He declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak with media. Under the contracts, palm olein is for physical delivery, on a Free on Board (FOB) basis, at Pasir Gudang and Port Klang in Malaysia, while in Indonesia, it is for delivery at Belawan and Dumai ports. Those two countries produce nearly 90 percent of the world's palm oil, used to churn out products ranging from chocolate to soap. APEX's major shareholders include Chinese conglomerate CEFC China Energy, Chinese futures commission merchant Xinhua Group and other international investment funds. China is the world's No.2 buyer of palm oil, with the commodity comprising about 70 percent of its edible oil imports. Zhu, the former head of the Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE), said the palm futures would complement other exchanges in the region. "There will arbitrage opportunities and it will help to generate more volumes for all the exchanges," Zhu said. The benchmark palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange was trading down 1.1 percent on Friday, while the most-active palm olein contract on the DCE had eased slightly. Bursa Malaysia launched dollar-denominated crude palm oil and palm olein contracts over the last decade, but Kuala Lumpur-based traders said trading volumes for both contracts are close to zero due to a lack of market makers. APEX plans to offer other futures and options based on commodities from sectors including agriculture, energy, petrochemicals and metals, as well as on interest rates and stock indices.

New Singapore exchange kicks off trading with palm oil futures

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would know next week whether his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled, casting further doubt on plans for the unprecedented meeting.

White House aides are preparing to travel to Singapore this weekend for a crucial meeting with North Korean officials to discuss the agenda and logistics for the summit, US&nbspofficials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Visiting Washington, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that if the United States seeks peace with North Korea and wants to make history, "now is the time" for the two countries' leaders to hold their first-ever summit.

The US&nbspdelegation, which includes White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, was being dispatched after Trump said on Tuesday there was a "substantial chance" the summit would be called off amid concerns Pyongyang is not prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal.

Asked on Wednesday whether the summit would go ahead, Trump told reporters: "It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea."

But he added: "We'll see."

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-entirely-up-to-us-we-will-not-beg-north-korea-139284">We will not 'beg'&nbspfor </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-entirely-up-to-us-we-will-not-beg-north-korea-139284">summit</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-entirely-up-to-us-we-will-not-beg-north-korea-139284">, says North Korea</a>

Trump did not say, however, whether the preparatory talks between US&nbspand North Korean officials in coming days were expected to clarify the situation.

Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States is prepared to walk away from nuclear negotiations with North Korea if the summit heads in the wrong direction.

Pompeo said he was "very hopeful" the summit would take place but said the decision was ultimately up to Kim, who the secretary of state has met twice in less than two months.

Trump raised doubts about the summit in talks on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who came to Washington to urge Trump not to let a rare opportunity with reclusive North Korea slip away.

It was unclear whether Trump was truly backing away from the summit or whether he was strategically coaxing North Korea to the table after decades of tension on the Korean peninsula and antagonism with Washington over its nuclear weapons program.

The White House was caught off guard when, in a dramatic change of tone, North Korea last week condemned the latest U.S.-South Korean air combat drills, suspended North-South talks and threatened to scrap the summit if Pyongyang was pushed toward "unilateral nuclear abandonment."

North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington was "entirely" up to the United States.

"We will neither beg the U.S. for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," said Choe Son Hui, according to a report by North Korea's central news agency on Thursday.

Choe said she could suggest to leader Kim that North Korea reconsider the summit if the United States offended the North's good will.

If the summit is called off or fails, it would be a major blow to what Trump supporters hope will be the biggest diplomatic achievement of his presidency.

'BAD DEAL IS NOT AN OPTION'

Pompeo insisted the Trump administration was "clear-eyed" about North Korea, which has a history of making promises in negotiations and then backtracking.

"A bad deal is not an option," Pompeo said in his written opening statement for a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. "If the right deal is not on the table, we will respectfully walk away."

Pompeo, who was director of the CIA before becoming secretary of state in April after Trump fired Rex Tillerson, is the highest-ranking Trump administration to meet Kim. On his most recent trip he brought back three Americans who had been held by North Korea.

Pompeo said a US-led sanctions pressure campaign would not be eased until North Korea gives up nuclear weapons. “We have made zero concessions to Chairman Kim and have no intention to do so,” he said.

"Our posture will not change until we see credible steps taken toward the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," he said.

Meeting Wang later in the day, Pompeo said the United States expects all countries, including China - North Korea's main trading partner and ally - to "meet their obligations" to enforce sanctions on Pyongyang.

Trump suggested on Tuesday that Kim's recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping had influenced Kim to harden his stance ahead of the summit. China's foreign ministry said, however, that Beijing had played a positive role on the Korean peninsula.

Also on Wednesday, a United Nations Security Council committee approved travel by North Korean officials to Singapore for the summit, diplomats said. Singapore had asked the U.N. sanctions panel for a blanket waiver for the North Koreans' participation.

'It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea,' Trump said. But he added: 'We'll see'

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would know next week whether his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled, casting further doubt on plans for the unprecedented meeting. White House aides are preparing to travel to Singapore this weekend for a crucial meeting with North Korean officials to discuss the agenda and logistics for the summit, US&nbspofficials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Visiting Washington, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that if the United States seeks peace with North Korea and wants to make history, "now is the time" for the two countries' leaders to hold their first-ever summit. The US&nbspdelegation, which includes White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, was being dispatched after Trump said on Tuesday there was a "substantial chance" the summit would be called off amid concerns Pyongyang is not prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal. Asked on Wednesday whether the summit would go ahead, Trump told reporters: "It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea." But he added: "We'll see." Also read: We will not 'beg'&nbspfor summit, says North Korea Trump did not say, however, whether the preparatory talks between US&nbspand North Korean officials in coming days were expected to clarify the situation. Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States is prepared to walk away from nuclear negotiations with North Korea if the summit heads in the wrong direction. Pompeo said he was "very hopeful" the summit would take place but said the decision was ultimately up to Kim, who the secretary of state has met twice in less than two months. Trump raised doubts about the summit in talks on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who came to Washington to urge Trump not to let a rare opportunity with reclusive North Korea slip away. It was unclear whether Trump was truly backing away from the summit or whether he was strategically coaxing North Korea to the table after decades of tension on the Korean peninsula and antagonism with Washington over its nuclear weapons program. The White House was caught off guard when, in a dramatic change of tone, North Korea last week condemned the latest U.S.-South Korean air combat drills, suspended North-South talks and threatened to scrap the summit if Pyongyang was pushed toward "unilateral nuclear abandonment." North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington was "entirely" up to the United States. "We will neither beg the U.S. for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," said Choe Son Hui, according to a report by North Korea's central news agency on Thursday. Choe said she could suggest to leader Kim that North Korea reconsider the summit if the United States offended the North's good will. If the summit is called off or fails, it would be a major blow to what Trump supporters hope will be the biggest diplomatic achievement of his presidency. 'BAD DEAL IS NOT AN OPTION' Pompeo insisted the Trump administration was "clear-eyed" about North Korea, which has a history of making promises in negotiations and then backtracking. "A bad deal is not an option," Pompeo said in his written opening statement for a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. "If the right deal is not on the table, we will respectfully walk away." Pompeo, who was director of the CIA before becoming secretary of state in April after Trump fired Rex Tillerson, is the highest-ranking Trump administration to meet Kim. On his most recent trip he brought back three Americans who had been held by North Korea. Pompeo said a US-led sanctions pressure campaign would not be eased until North Korea gives up nuclear weapons. “We have made zero concessions to Chairman Kim and have no intention to do so,” he said. "Our posture will not change until we see credible steps taken toward the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," he said. Meeting Wang later in the day, Pompeo said the United States expects all countries, including China - North Korea's main trading partner and ally - to "meet their obligations" to enforce sanctions on Pyongyang. Trump suggested on Tuesday that Kim's recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping had influenced Kim to harden his stance ahead of the summit. China's foreign ministry said, however, that Beijing had played a positive role on the Korean peninsula. Also on Wednesday, a United Nations Security Council committee approved travel by North Korean officials to Singapore for the summit, diplomats said. Singapore had asked the U.N. sanctions panel for a blanket waiver for the North Koreans' participation.

Trump says will know next week if North Korea summit to go ahead

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a five-day visit on Tuesday to Indonesia and Singapore, two of India's strategically key partners in the region, with an aim to deepen defence ties, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a raft of agreements including in areas of defence and security are expected to be inked during Modi's visit to these two countries, which are members of powerful regional grouping ASEAN.

India and Indonesia are likely to sign a pact on defence cooperation as a similar agreement inked years ago had expired.&nbsp

Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran said the prime minister will arrive in Indonesia on May 29 and will leave for Singapore from there on May 31 for a three-day visit.

In Singapore, Modi will hold bilateral talks with his Singaporean counterpart and deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-la dialogue which is expected to be attended by top leaders from several important countries.

Asked about Singapore's apparent reservations over formation of a quadrilateral coalition among India, the US, Australia and Japan, she said there has been a "deep sense" of appreciation among the ASEAN nations about New Delhi's views about peace and security in the region.

"We give primacy and importance to ASEAN's unity and ASEAN's centrality in the region," she said. Singapore is a key member country of the 10-nation ASEAN grouping with which India has been intensifying its defence and security ties.&nbsp

The US, Australia and several other leading powers have been favouring a greater role by India in the Indo-Pacific region where China has been flexing its military might.

About Modi's visit to Indonesia, Saran said the country is India's closest maritime neighbour and there will be discussions on ways to deepen maritime cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp

Earlier this year, both countries held their first security dialogue during which areas for boosting military cooperation were identified.

Asked whether Indonesia will give Indian navy ships access to deep-sea port in Sabang, Saran did not give a direct reply, but said discussions have been underway on enhancing overall connectivity and cooperation.

Boosting trade and enhancing connectivity will be another focus area of Modi's visit to Indonesia, which will be his first to the country as PM.

Saran said the prime minister's engagement in Jakarta will include his address at a gathering of Indian community and at a forum of top businessmen.&nbsp

He will also inaugurate a kite festival jointly organised by a leading Indonesian museum and Kite museum of Ahmedabad. The kite festival will depict common theme of Ramayana and Mahabharata, showcasing cultural links between the two countries.

On June 1, Modi will hold extensive talks with Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong besides addressing CEOs of top 20 companies of the country during which he is expected to highlight the reforms initiated by his government to boost the economy.

Saran said both the countries are likely to ink a number of pacts in the areas of defence, space and skill development.

In Singapore, the PM will attend a business and community event, will participate at an interaction with the president and board members of the Nanyang University, one of the premier educational institution globally, and inaugurate a plaque at a place where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed.&nbsp

In 1948, Gandhi's ashes were sent to various parts of India and the world, including Singapore.

A key highlight of Modi's visit to Singapore will be his address at the Shangri-La dialogue.&nbsp

Modi is the first Indian PM who has been invited to deliver key note address at the forum, said Saran, adding he is expected to delve into India's view on peace and security in the region.&nbsp

The prime minister is also likely to share his philosophy on 'Sagarmala', a project to develop a string of ports to strengthen maritime connectivity, during the keynote address.

On June 2, Modi is scheduled to visit Changi naval base. He will also visit an Indian ship which will be in Singapore as part of bilateral naval exchanges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a five-day visit on Tuesday to Indonesia and Singapore, two of India's strategically key partners in the region, with an aim to deepen defence ties, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a five-day visit on Tuesday to Indonesia and Singapore, two of India's strategically key partners in the region, with an aim to deepen defence ties, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a raft of agreements including in areas of defence and security are expected to be inked during Modi's visit to these two countries, which are members of powerful regional grouping ASEAN. India and Indonesia are likely to sign a pact on defence cooperation as a similar agreement inked years ago had expired. Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran said the prime minister will arrive in Indonesia on May 29 and will leave for Singapore from there on May 31 for a three-day visit. In Singapore, Modi will hold bilateral talks with his Singaporean counterpart and deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-la dialogue which is expected to be attended by top leaders from several important countries. Asked about Singapore's apparent reservations over formation of a quadrilateral coalition among India, the US, Australia and Japan, she said there has been a "deep sense" of appreciation among the ASEAN nations about New Delhi's views about peace and security in the region. "We give primacy and importance to ASEAN's unity and ASEAN's centrality in the region," she said. Singapore is a key member country of the 10-nation ASEAN grouping with which India has been intensifying its defence and security ties. The US, Australia and several other leading powers have been favouring a greater role by India in the Indo-Pacific region where China has been flexing its military might. About Modi's visit to Indonesia, Saran said the country is India's closest maritime neighbour and there will be discussions on ways to deepen maritime cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Earlier this year, both countries held their first security dialogue during which areas for boosting military cooperation were identified. Asked whether Indonesia will give Indian navy ships access to deep-sea port in Sabang, Saran did not give a direct reply, but said discussions have been underway on enhancing overall connectivity and cooperation. Boosting trade and enhancing connectivity will be another focus area of Modi's visit to Indonesia, which will be his first to the country as PM. Saran said the prime minister's engagement in Jakarta will include his address at a gathering of Indian community and at a forum of top businessmen. He will also inaugurate a kite festival jointly organised by a leading Indonesian museum and Kite museum of Ahmedabad. The kite festival will depict common theme of Ramayana and Mahabharata, showcasing cultural links between the two countries. On June 1, Modi will hold extensive talks with Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong besides addressing CEOs of top 20 companies of the country during which he is expected to highlight the reforms initiated by his government to boost the economy. Saran said both the countries are likely to ink a number of pacts in the areas of defence, space and skill development. In Singapore, the PM will attend a business and community event, will participate at an interaction with the president and board members of the Nanyang University, one of the premier educational institution globally, and inaugurate a plaque at a place where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed. In 1948, Gandhi's ashes were sent to various parts of India and the world, including Singapore. A key highlight of Modi's visit to Singapore will be his address at the Shangri-La dialogue. Modi is the first Indian PM who has been invited to deliver key note address at the forum, said Saran, adding he is expected to delve into India's view on peace and security in the region. The prime minister is also likely to share his philosophy on 'Sagarmala', a project to develop a string of ports to strengthen maritime connectivity, during the keynote address. On June 2, Modi is scheduled to visit Changi naval base. He will also visit an Indian ship which will be in Singapore as part of bilateral naval exchanges.

Defence cooperation to be key focus of PM's visit to Indonesia, Singapore

North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington is "entirely" up to the United States and condemned a media interview by US Vice President Mike Pence in which he compared the North to Libya.

"We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," said Choe Son Hui, according to a report by North Korea's central news agency on Thursday.

Choe said she could suggest to leader Kim Jong-un that North Korea reconsider the summit, set for June 12 in Singapore, if the United States offends the North's good will.&nbsp

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would know next week whether his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled, casting further doubt on plans for the unprecedented meeting.

White House aides are preparing to travel to Singapore this weekend for a crucial meeting with North Korean officials to discuss the agenda and logistics for the summit, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Visiting Washington, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that if the United States seeks peace with North Korea and wants to make history, "now is the time" for the two countries' leaders to hold their first-ever summit.

The US delegation, which includes White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, was being dispatched after Trump said on Tuesday there was a "substantial chance" the summit would be called off amid concerns Pyongyang is not prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal.

Asked on Wednesday whether the summit would go ahead, Trump told reporters: "It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea."

But he added: "We'll see."

Trump did not say, however, whether the preparatory talks between US and North Korean officials in coming days were expected to clarify the situation.

Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States is prepared to walk away from nuclear negotiations with North Korea if the summit heads in the wrong direction.

Pompeo said he was "very hopeful" the summit would take place but said the decision was ultimately up to Kim, who the secretary of state has met twice in less than two months.

Trump raised doubts about the summit in talks on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who came to Washington to urge Trump not to let a rare opportunity with reclusive North Korea slip away.

It was unclear whether Trump was truly backing away from the summit or whether he was strategically coaxing North Korea to the table after decades of tension on the Korean peninsula and antagonism with Washington over its nuclear weapons program.

The White House was caught off guard when, in a dramatic change of tone, North Korea last week condemned the latest US-South Korean air combat drills, suspended North-South talks and threatened to scrap the summit if Pyongyang was pushed toward "unilateral nuclear abandonment."

'We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us,' North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister said

North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington is "entirely" up to the United States and condemned a media interview by US Vice President Mike Pence in which he compared the North to Libya. "We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," said Choe Son Hui, according to a report by North Korea's central news agency on Thursday. Choe said she could suggest to leader Kim Jong-un that North Korea reconsider the summit, set for June 12 in Singapore, if the United States offends the North's good will. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would know next week whether his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled, casting further doubt on plans for the unprecedented meeting. White House aides are preparing to travel to Singapore this weekend for a crucial meeting with North Korean officials to discuss the agenda and logistics for the summit, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Visiting Washington, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that if the United States seeks peace with North Korea and wants to make history, "now is the time" for the two countries' leaders to hold their first-ever summit. The US delegation, which includes White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, was being dispatched after Trump said on Tuesday there was a "substantial chance" the summit would be called off amid concerns Pyongyang is not prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal. Asked on Wednesday whether the summit would go ahead, Trump told reporters: "It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea." But he added: "We'll see." Trump did not say, however, whether the preparatory talks between US and North Korean officials in coming days were expected to clarify the situation. Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States is prepared to walk away from nuclear negotiations with North Korea if the summit heads in the wrong direction. Pompeo said he was "very hopeful" the summit would take place but said the decision was ultimately up to Kim, who the secretary of state has met twice in less than two months. Trump raised doubts about the summit in talks on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who came to Washington to urge Trump not to let a rare opportunity with reclusive North Korea slip away. It was unclear whether Trump was truly backing away from the summit or whether he was strategically coaxing North Korea to the table after decades of tension on the Korean peninsula and antagonism with Washington over its nuclear weapons program. The White House was caught off guard when, in a dramatic change of tone, North Korea last week condemned the latest US-South Korean air combat drills, suspended North-South talks and threatened to scrap the summit if Pyongyang was pushed toward "unilateral nuclear abandonment."

Kim-Trump summit 'entirely' up to US, we will not beg: North Korea

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the fate of a landmark summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un will be decided "next week," as aides traveled to Singapore on a preparatory mission.

"On Singapore we'll see. It could very well happen," Trump said of the on-again-off-again June 12 meeting that has been as keenly teased as any of his "The Apprentice" season finales.

"Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. If we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea," Trump said at the White House.&nbsp

Aides are traveling to the South East Asian city, ostensibly to meet their North Korean counterparts and iron out details of the meeting.

Trump said of the on-again-off-again June 12 meeting that has been as keenly teased as any of his "The Apprentice" season finales.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the fate of a landmark summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un will be decided "next week," as aides traveled to Singapore on a preparatory mission. "On Singapore we'll see. It could very well happen," Trump said of the on-again-off-again June 12 meeting that has been as keenly teased as any of his "The Apprentice" season finales. "Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. If we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea," Trump said at the White House. Aides are traveling to the South East Asian city, ostensibly to meet their North Korean counterparts and iron out details of the meeting.

We'll know next week about Singapore meet with Kim: Trump

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