Vivian Balakrishnan tests positive for COVID-19 after returning from ASEAN meetings in Cambodia

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said on Saturday (Aug 6) that he has tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from the ASEAN meetings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

"It’s been a good run despite all the travels, but COVID-19 has finally caught up with me," Dr Balakrishnan said in a Facebook post.

He added that he is experiencing only mild symptoms thanks to the COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

"Personal request - anyone who has been in contact with me over the past two days should do an ART. Sorry for the inconvenience," he said.

"Apologies for missing my planned engagements over the next few days."

Dr Balakrishnan was in Phnom Penh from Aug 2 to 5 for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He also attended related meetings such as a regional forum that included officials from the United States, China, Russia and Japan.

He met China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the sidelines of the event.

The ASEAN meetings took place amid escalating tensions over US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, prompting a furious Beijing to launch military drills in the seas and skies around Taiwan.

China also announced on Friday that it was halting dialogue with the US in a number of areas, including military and climate talks.