WEST ASIA (Minister for Foreign Affairs' Visit)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr L. P. Rodrigo asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in connection with his recent tour of West Asia, to inform the House (a) how the governments of the countries he visited regard Singapore; (b) how Singapore has benefited from the tour; and (c) what scope is there for improvement in relations with those countries of West Asia.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr S. Rajaratnam): Mr Speaker, Sir, with regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the two joint communiques and statements issued during the course of our tour. If he would read them, he would discover that they refer to discussions being conducted in a "friendly atmosphere and in a spirit of mutual understanding" and that there now existed favourable conditions, according to the communique "for the promotion of mutually beneficial relations based on understanding in many spheres, particularly in the economic and commercial fields". Though our visit to these countries took place at a time when they were preoccupied with the winding up of the Arab-Israeli conflict and receiving an unending stream of more distinguished visitors, the Singapore delegation was warmly received, entertained and afforded generous time for discussions with very busy Ministers.

In regard to the second part of the question, the personal contacts with Arab leaders and officials enabled the Singapore delegation to clear doubts and misunderstandings in regard to Singapore's stand on issues which the Arabs consider crucial. It is my view - which is borne out by the two joint communiques - that such misunderstandings as may have existed have now been cleared.

The visit also enabled us to learn directly from Arab leaders of their political and economic aspirations and in what way these could be assisted through co-operation with Singapore.

Our discussions brought to surface the large areas of ignorance the Singapore and West Asian countries had as regards potentialities for economic cooperation. I should, however, stress that much of Arab aspirations in the economic and technology fields would be met by the major and wealthier industrial countries. However, during the course of our discussions the leaders of West Asia thought there were residual areas for mutually beneficial cooperation between Singapore and the oil-rich countries of West Asia. Like many developing countries, they are wary of becoming too dependent economically on a few industrial nations. The leaders of West Asia were unaware, until it was pointed out to them, that Singapore had some expertise in such things as port development, public housing, banking, ship-repairing, shipbuilding and industrial development, which would be more relevant to developing countries because Singapore itself was a developing country.

With regard to the third part of the question, the scope for improvement of relations with West Asian countries will depend largely on ourselves and our entrepreneurs. We cannot expect the West Asian countries to court Singapore because they have more suitors than they can cope with and with far more to offer. It is, therefore, up to us to take the initiative and convince the countries of West Asia that mutually beneficial relations could be developed with us.

In this connection I am happy to note that our Chambers of Commerce, industrialists and bankers are organising a trade mission to visit West Asian countries to study and explore prospects. However, this should be supplemented by exchanges of cultural missions and promotion of tourism between Singapore and West Asian countries which quite regrettably our citizens are inclined to bypass on their way to Europe.

Dr Ong Leong Boon (Kim Seng): Sir, would the Minister consider the setting up of a more permanent office in that part of West Asia, such as an embassy, so that continuity of what has been established can be maintained, and it can also help them utilise and invest the expected US$50 million which they get from their oil trade?

Mr Rajaratnam: Sir, my Ministry has always considered such matters. But I have no doubt that, as our relations with the West Asian countries grow and develop, the establishment of missions at different levels would be given more serious consideration during the coming years.

Mr Ho See Beng (Bras Basah): Sir, in view of the Minister's reply that Singapore and the Arab countries are friendly, what are the chances of Singapore getting cheaper oil?

Mr Rajaratnam: Sir, the chances of Singapore getting cheaper oil are as good as the chances of other countries getting cheaper oil.