MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Our foreign policy must take into consideration the new situation arising from the gradual scaling down of American and Western military presence in the region. The overwhelming Western influence in the region has been correspondingly reduced.

This will lead other powers to seek greater influence for themselves in the area. It will be important to cooperate with our neighbours to safeguard our common interests. ASEAN can play an important role in lessening the leverage the great powers can otherwise have in exploiting differences and conflicts within the region. It can also quicken the pace of regional co-operation and economic development. This in turn will strengthen stability and peace in the area. ASEAN can help member states adjust to the rapid geo-political changes in the region as the consequences of American withdrawal from direct involvement with the problems of Indochina work themselves through, and a regional balance is established without any great power hegemony. ASEAN will soon have a permanent Secretariat which will coordinate the many regional economic, social and cultural projects being implemented.

With the growing wealth from their oil resources, the countries of the Gulf have clearly increased in importance for trade and investments. A Trade Mission was sent to West Asia and an official Economic Mission is proposed for Iran. Arrangements are also being discussed for a Singapore-Iran Joint Economic Commission.

Another area where trade can be developed to the benefit of both parties is Eastern Europe. Relations between Governments there and Singapore have been very friendly and it is proposed there be more exchanges of trade and economic missions with these countries.

Sea communications are vital to Singapore. Our interests lie in the maintenance of existing rights of passage through all major waterways, especially the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. We support all changes which will facilitate speedier and increased communication to improve world trade. Fishermen from Singapore should continue to enjoy the right to fish in Southeast Asian waters in the same way as do fishermen of other countries. Singapore therefore favours the setting of internationally acceptable standards which will take fair account of the needs of countries like Singapore.