SINGAPORE INTERESTED IN MEDRC MEMBERSHIP

UNCLAS MUSCAT 001145 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/RA (C.LAWSON); NEA/ARP; EAP/PMBS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV PREL MU SUBJECT: SINGAPORE INTERESTED IN MEDRC MEMBERSHIP REF: LAWSON-GRAPPO EMAIL OF 7/19/06 This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3. ¶1. On July 16, the Ambassador explored the possibility of expanding membership in the Muscat-based Middle East Desalination Research Center (MEDRC) with Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Under Secretary Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi. Sayyid Badr noted that he had recently raised this issue with Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo and Under Secretary Bilahari Kausikan, as well as Hyflux Senior Vice President Benjamin Tan and Singapore Public Utility Board Technology Director Harry Seah. Sayyid Badr reported that all expressed interest in Singapore joining this organization, and that Tan intends to visit Muscat in the near future. ¶2. In addition to his efforts, Sayyid Badr has requested USG assistance in encouraging Singapore to join MEDRC. Post concurs with this request. MEDRC, formed in 1996 as part of the Middle East peace process, remains an important institution where officials from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, Korea, Japan, and European governments, among others, meet to discuss how advances in desalination technology promote water sustainability. MEDRC is looking to expand its membership and secure additional funds to further its research commitments. ¶3. Action request. Post requests Department's assistance in following-up on Singapore's interest in joining MEDRC. GRAPPO