MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Because Singapore is crucially influenced in major aspects of its life by global and regional developments, over which we have little control, we must constantly and realistically adjust to external events if we are not to be overwhelmed by them. We cannot afford to cultivate aspirations and develop life styles as though we were an autonomous society protected from the harsh realities and uncertainties of the world outside.

When world developments are favourable we can, through judicious policies, benefit from them. Equally we must be just as ready to make painful adjustments to enable us to steer successfully through rough seas so that we remain in one piece when the storm subsides.

At the moment the world is going through a rough period. The international economy has yet to recover from the battering it took from the oil crisis. Those nations which have shown resoluteness and national discipline during this period of inflation, recession and unemployment will continue to do better than most and will be best placed to make the most gains when the world economy enters a new phase of expansion and recovery.

For Southeast Asia, the post-Vietnam period, defying earlier predictions, has turned out to be more helpful, particularly for the ASEAN countries. Non-Communist Southeast Asia, contrary to expectations, is an area of political stability and economic vigour. This is not to say that it is without problems but they are, as of now, manageable problems.

We attribute this favourable position of non-Communist Southeast Asia to a large extent to the collective strength and confidence found in ASEAN cooperation and solidarity. The cohesion and integrity of ASEAN has persuaded several Communist countries to change their initially hostile attitude into accommodation with and qualified support for ASEAN.

Equally, countries which were friendly to ASEAN but sceptical of its durability are now taking a more thoughtful and positive view of ASEAN. The high level of representation in dialogues between ASEAN Ministers and the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the EEC reflect the serious intent of the parties, and their recognition of the great potential for economic good in cooperation with ASEAN.

It is up to the ASEAN countries to translate potentialities into realities. They must have resolution to press on with practical, if initially small, steps towards greater cooperation.

The ASEAN states today abut a series of Communist states stretching from Soviet Asia, to China, to Laos, Vietnam and Kampuchea. Of course, the Communist group comprises contending states. This poses ASEAN with unexpected problems. There are dangers implicit in these totally new developments. But there are also benefits in a slackening of pressure coming from these Communist states, if the conflicts between them are confined to themselves and do not involve the states of ASEAN.

In the long run, what serves best the interests of ASEAN and of the world is a peaceful and prosperous Asia - Communist and non-Communist alike. The underlying thrust of Singapore's foreign policy is to achieve this objective.

S. RAJARATNAM Minister for Foreign Affairs