S$16.3m spent on Trump-Kim summit, down from previous estimate of S$20m: MFA
The cost of hosting the historic Trump-Kim summit was approximately S$16.3 million, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (June 24), down from an earlier estimate of S$20 million previously stated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
SINGAPORE – The cost of hosting the historic Trump-Kim summit was approximately S$16.3 million, about S$3.7million less than an earlier estimate previously stated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Sunday (June 24) that security costs made up the biggest component of the amount spent.
Ahead of the historic meeting on June 12, Mr Lee had told reporters on the sidelines of a visit to the international media centre at the F1 Pit Building that the summit would cost around S$20 million.
He had said then that though the summit “cost some money to put up”, it was Singapore’s “contribution to an international endeavour that is in our profound interest.”
Mr Lee also added that it was not easy to find a suitable venue for the Trump-Kim summit, which was held at Capella Singapore at Sentosa.
"Both sides have to agree, it has to meet their requirements, it has to be politically and diplomatically acceptable to them,” he had said.
“Practical arrangements have also to be seen to... So there are not many places to go.”
On the security front, some 5,000 Home Team officers – including police and Singapore Civil Defence Force officers – were deployed over the course of the three-day visit by the two leaders from June 10 to 12.
Private security firms such as Certis were also involved.
Besides the security costs, resources were also spent to facilitate the 2,500-strong contingent of international journalists who travelled here to cover the summit.
The international media centre was open round the clock for the duration of the visit by the two leaders and the summit. Food and snacks were also provided by caterers such as airport services operator Sats, and local food and beverage firms such as Ya Kun and Old Chang Kee.
The summit concluded with Mr Trump and Mr Kim pledging to work toward “complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula”, while Washington committed to provide security guarantees for its old enemy, such as ending its war drills with South Korea.
