Shangri-La Dialogue to renew this yr with COVID-19 security

SINGAPORE: The annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore will happen this yr, mentioned Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Monday (Jan 18), after a quick hiatus as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. Organised by the Worldwide Institute for Strategic Research (IISS), the defence summit attracts delegates from dozens of nations every year. Till the cancellation, it had been held in Singapore yearly because it was launched in 2002. Final yr‘s occasion, which had been scheduled to happen in June, was cancelled amid international journey restrictions meant to stem the unfold of the coronavirus. IISS had mentioned it will work in the direction of an “exceptionally sturdy” dialogue in 2021.

The Sherpa Assembly, throughout which ministerial and senior defence officers meet to debate related safety points, sometimes takes place as a prelude to the primary dialogue. The assembly kicked off in Singapore on Monday, mentioned Dr Ng, with greater than 200 defence officers and non-governmental specialists assembly each bodily and thru video conferencing.

In a press launch on Monday, the Ministry of Defence mentioned that contributors attending the assembly bodily are required to abide by strict well being and security measures together with day by day pre-event antigen speedy testing for COVID-19. Protected distancing, mask-wearing, temperature-taking, “cohorting” and common disinfection of widespread areas are additionally being enforced, mentioned MINDEF, including that plexi-glass dividers have been deployed at convention and meal areas.

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