Trump thanks Singapore PM for hosting Kim summit
Singapore, June 11 : US President Donald Trump on Monday met Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and thanked him for hosting his upcoming summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, saying he appreciated the hospitality, professionalism and friendship.
"We have a very interesting meeting in particular tomorrow (Tuesday), and I think things can work out very nicely," The Straits Times quoted Trump as saying.
"But we appreciate your hospitality and professionalism and your friendship. Thank you very much," the President added.
The two leaders shared a warm handshake at the Istana or presidential palace before they began their working lunch. During the meeting, the officials also celebrated Trump's birthday. He will turn 72 on June 14.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan posted a photo on social media of Trump posing with the birthday cake. "Celebrating birthday, a bit early," he wrote.
Trump is also scheduled to have a meet-and-greet session with US embassy staff and American military officers at the Shangri-la Hotel later on Monday, The Straits Times reported.
Trump and his delegation including National Security Adviser John Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders landed in Singapore's Paya Lebar Air Base on Sunday night, after attending the G7 Summit in Canada.
Also on Sunday, Kim arrived in Singapore aboard an Air China plane. This is his first-known trip outside Northeast Asia since taking power in 2011.
Trump and Kim's summit, the first ever between two sitting leaders of the countries, will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the exclusive Capella Hotel in Sentosa Island.
Meanwhile on Monday, senior North Korean and US diplomats held last-minute talks in Singapore to come up with a draft agreement to be presented to the leaders of the two countries during their summit, reports Yonhap News Agency.
Ambassador Sung Kim, the US State Department's top Korea expert, met Choe Son-hui, the North's Vice Foreign Minister, at the Ritz Carlton hotel.
Choe and Kim have already held several rounds of discussions at Panmunjom on the inter-Korean border that were reportedly focused on summit agenda items, including denuclearisation and security assurance measures.
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Shipping authority says 3 Indian seafarers killed in Middle East; issues advisory
New Delhi (PTI): At least three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels were killed and one was injured in the Middle East region, the Directorate General of Shipping said on Tuesday as it issued an advisory for maritime operators to assess voyage-specific risks, amid escalated military actions involving the US, Israel and Iran that threaten disruptions of major trade routes.
"There have been four reported incidents involving Indian seafarers in the region, resulting in three casualties and one injured seafarer, all of whom were serving on board foreign-flagged vessels," the Directorate General of Shipping said.
On Tuesday, American and Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Iran since killing its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday. Tehran and its allies have hit back against Israel, neighbouring Gulf states, and targets critical to the world's production of oil and natural gas.
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President Donald Trump on Monday said the US has "the capability to go far longer" than its projected four-to-five-week time frame for its military operations against Iran.
In an advisory, the Directorate General of Shipping said it is closely monitoring the evolving maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas.
It said the threats of the recent geopolitical developments included missile and drone activity, electronic interference, and other maritime security concerns.
Stakeholders have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance and undertake voyage-specific risk assessments, and vessels operating in the region have been advised to maintain an enhanced security posture and bridge watch, ensure continuous communication readiness, and report any suspicious activity immediately, with transit through high-risk areas to be reviewed by operators based on prevailing conditions, the shipping authority said.
About the incident involving Indian seafarers, the Directorate said the remaining crew members on board are safe and secure, and the Directorate, as well as other authorities, are maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure their continued safety, well-being and timely support.
All necessary support, assistance and facilitation are being extended to the affected seafarers and their families, it added.
The directorate further said that it has activated enhanced monitoring and security oversight, real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels with increased reporting frequency and 24X7 monitoring.
"Mandatory reporting protocols have been prescribed for vessels, owners and managers, and close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, Ministry of External Affairs, IFC-IOR, MRCC and Indian Missions," it said.
Shipping companies have also been advised to exercise due caution in crew deployment and to maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families.
The Directorate said a dedicated 'quick response team' has also been formed to ensure timely coordination among all concerned authorities, enable immediate response to emerging situations, and facilitate prompt assistance and support to Indian seafarers and their families.
