Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Meeting with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Teo

[The Patriot]

Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Meeting with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean

04-11-2012 04:00 AM

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today met with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean to discuss the ongoing partnership between the United States and the Republic of Singapore to facilitate legitimate trade and travel, while preventing terrorists from exploiting supply chains; protecting transportation systems from attacks and disruptions; and increasing the resilience of global supply chains.

"Strong international partnerships are critical to the safety, security and resiliency of the global supply chain," said Secretary Napolitano. “We are committed to working with our international partners around the world—including Singapore—to protect the vast amount of goods and commerce that move across the world every day, driving our global economy.”

During their meeting, Secretary Napolitano and Deputy Prime Minister Teo signed a joint statement on supply chain security, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to strengthen global supply chains to ensure they operate effectively in time of crisis; recover quickly from disruptions; and facilitate international trade and travel.

In January, Secretary Napolitano unveiled the Obama administration’s National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security outlines clear goals to promote the efficient and secure movement of goods and foster a resilient supply chain system. It also provides guidance for the U.S. government and identifies priority areas for continued engagement with domestic, international, public and private stakeholders who share a common interest in the security and resiliency of the global supply chain.

The international community made significant progress in protecting the global supply chain through Program Global Shield—launched by DHS with the World Customs Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and Interpol. As part of Program Global Shield, 89 participating nations and international organizations share information in an unprecedented law enforcement effort aimed at combating the theft or illegal diversion of precursor chemicals that can be used to make Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). As of April 2012, Program Global Shield has accounted for seizures of chemical precursors totaling more than 62 metric tons and 36 arrests related to the illicit diversion of these chemicals.

For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov.

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