MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

PROF S JAYAKUMAR Minister for Foreign Affairs

Our foreign policy interests are broadening. Relations with our ASEAN neighbours remain central. At the same time, we are deepening and expanding links, particularly in the Asia-Pacific. Our excellent relations with countries like India, China and Vietnam help us build an external wing to the Singapore economy. Projects are underway in India and China. These complement our established collaboration with our neighbours through the Growth Triangle.

2. Singapore will continue to work with ASEAN and other Asia-Pacific countries to preserve optimal conditions for growth. Asia-Pacific countries share a common interest in managing the post Cold War changes, keeping themselves competitive and upholding an open international trading system. Singapore strongly supports APEC as a vehicle for engaging major Asia-Pacific countries in a constructive framework that promotes stability, growth and free trade. The ASEAN Free Trade Area and the East Asia Economic Caucus complement APEC. The ASEAN Regional Forum adds substance to security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. It brings together all the major actors in a single forum, and will help them to build confidence and evolve a predictable pattern of relationships.

3. We will fulfil our obligations as a responsible member of the international community. The United Nations plays a key role in maintaining a stable post Cold War global environment. Singapore has participated in the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia and several other UN peacekeeping operations. We also contribute actively to the ongoing debate on how to reform the UN system to make it more effective.

4. Through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, we are sharing our development experiences with many developing countries. Our Indochina Assistance Fund helps to promote economic development and reintegrate those countries into the regional community.