Security issues are the focal point of his visit to three Asian states. From 29 to 31 May 2015 Mr Burkhalter is taking part in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, giving him the opportunity to discuss counterterrorism measures with Asian partners, in particular the activities of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, which are supported by Switzerland.   On 1 June 2015 the Asian Conference of the OSCE is to take place under the co-chairmanship of Mr Burkhalter – in his capacity as chairperson of the Contact Group with the Asian Partners for Co-operation – and his South Korean counterpart, Yun Byung-se.

Opening of the new consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City

Mr Burkhalter will take the opportunity provided by his stay in Asia to conduct bilateral talks, meeting in Singapore with the prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, and the foreign minister, Kasiviswanathan Shanmugam and, in South Korea, with President Park Geun-hye and the foreign minister, Yun Byung-se.

Political talks are also scheduled for Mr Burkhalter's visit to Vietnam where he will meet with the deputy prime minister, Hoàng Trung Hải, and the foreign minister, Phạm Bình Minh, on 2 June 2015 in Hanoi. Mr Burkhalter will also open the new Swiss consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).