MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Major political and economic changes are taking place on the international scene. Communist countries are going through a period of self-examination and change. East-West relations have never been more relaxed. There will be continuity in our foreign policy while we adjust to these changes.

We will continue to pay close attention to developments in neighbouring countries, and will work to strengthen institutional and personal links with our ASEAN partners, especially Malaysia and Indonesia.

Relations with ASEAN countries will continue to take high priority. We will work with them to implement the Programme of Action adopted at the Manila Summit in 1987. We will build upon and strengthen the existing ties of friendship and cooperation within ASEAN.

The thaw in East-West relations has improved prospects for settling regional problems and conflicts. We shall continue our diplomatic efforts to resolve the Cambodian problem. A just solution will lead to better political and economic relations between Singapore and Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore will find more common interests with Japan and the Newly Industrialising Economies (NIEs). We are ready to take part in a dialogue between the OECD and the NIEs to achieve freer trade.

The Western powers will continue to have a major presence in South-East Asia. We shall maintain close relations with them, just as we should be friendly with any country which respects our independence and sovereignty, and our right to live and prosper in peace.

At the same time, the United States is anxious to share some of its global burdens and responsibilities. The question is how much of this defence and economic responsibility will devolve from the United States to Western Europe and Japan. Any adjustments, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, must be carried out smoothly to ensure world peace and security.

The huge Asian countries of China, India and the Soviet Union are becoming more important in Southeast Asia. We shall build on our existing relationship with them. Economic relations with China and India are already expanding. If conditions in the Asia-Pacific region are sound and stable, more areas of common interest with the Soviet Union can develop.

Singapore will also build up ties with countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa and the South Pacific.

WONG KAN SENG Minister for Foreign Affairs