Russian deputy FM tells Singaporean counterpart sanctions on Russia are counterproductive

MOSCOW. April 4 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko and Singaporean Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Albert Chua met on Friday to discuss bilateral relations and potential for cooperation between the two countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko held consultations on the bilateral and international agenda with Singaporean Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Albert Chua on April 4," the ministry said in a statement on its website.

The two diplomats exchanged opinions on the state and prospects of Russian-Singaporean relations, it said.

"The Russian side yet again pointed out that the anti-Russian sanctions introduced by the Singaporean authorities in March 2022 are counterproductive and hinder full use of substantial potential for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including the trade, economic, and humanitarian ones," it said.

Rudenko and Chua also discussed cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, common efforts to oppose challenges and threats facing it, and links at the Russia-ASEAN dialogue partnership level, it said.