Secret Meeting of Intelligence Officials Held on the Sidelines of Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
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Salma Hossein
- . June 5, 2023
- . Update: June 5, 2023 7:41 pm
Senior officials from approximately two dozen major intelligence agencies around the world recently participated in a secret meeting on the fringes of the Shangri-La Dialogue security meeting in Singapore, according to five sources who spoke with Reuters. These discreet meetings have been organized by the Singapore government for several years, taking place at a separate venue alongside the security summit. The meeting serves as an important fixture on the international shadow agenda, facilitating discussions and promoting a deeper understanding of intentions and bottom lines between participating countries. This article provides an overview of the meeting and its significance in fostering cooperation and understanding among intelligence agencies.
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Meeting Overview
The meeting, which had not been previously reported, was attended by senior officials from intelligence agencies representing various countries, including the United States, China, and India. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines represented the United States, despite the existing tensions between the U.S. and China. Samant Goel, the head of India’s Research and Analysis Wing, was also present at the meeting.
The Singapore Ministry of Defence confirmed that while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue, intelligence agency officials took the opportunity to meet their counterparts. Such bilateral or multilateral meetings were facilitated by the ministry, and participants found them beneficial.
Purpose and Importance
The secret meetings hold significance as they promote communication and understanding among intelligence agencies, especially during times of tension when formal and open diplomacy may be challenging. The gatherings allow participants to discuss sensitive matters, establish common ground, and foster collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
According to one source familiar with the discussions, the meetings aim to deepen the understanding of intentions and establish bottom lines. The unspoken code among intelligence services allows them to engage in discussions when traditional diplomacy may be constrained. The Singapore event plays a crucial role in promoting this exchange of information and ideas.
Key Topics and Tone
Although specific details about the discussions in Singapore remain limited, the sources mentioned that topics such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and transnational crime were addressed during the talks. One source noted that the tone of the meeting was collaborative and cooperative, rather than confrontational.
Absence of Russian Representative
Notably, there was no representative from Russia present at the meeting, according to one of the sources. Ukraine’s deputy defence minister attended the Shangri-La Dialogue but stated that he did not participate in the intelligence meeting.
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The secret meeting of senior intelligence officials on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore provides a platform for international cooperation and understanding among intelligence agencies. This discreet gathering, organized by the Singapore government, facilitates discussions on sensitive matters and promotes deeper understanding between participating countries. Despite tensions between nations, the meeting aims to establish common ground and foster collaboration on issues of mutual interest. The significance of such meetings lies in their ability to facilitate dialogue when traditional diplomacy is challenging, ultimately contributing to enhanced cooperation and global security.
