Singapore to open embassy in Israel

Singapore will open an embassy in Tel Aviv, its foreign minister announced, more than a half century after the two countries established diplomatic ties.

Singapore’s Vivian Balakrishnan notified Foreign Minister Yair Lapid of the decision during a meeting the two held in Jerusalem.

A statement from Singapore’s foreign ministry said the new embassy will “serve as a focal point and support Singapore companies seeking to expand their collaboration with potential Israeli partners.” It did not provide a timeline for when the mission will open, The Time of Israel reported.

“I welcome the government of Singapore’s decision to open an embassy in Israel for the first time since the establishment of relations,” Lapid said in a statement. “This represents another testament to the good and unique relations between the countries.”

The two countries have had diplomatic relations since 1969, and have since developed close security and business ties. Israel already operates an embassy in Singapore.