MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

PROF. S. JAYAKUMAR Minister for Foreign Affairs

External Backdrop

1. The terrorist attacks on the US on 11 September 2001 and the on-going global anti-terrorist campaign have added a key element of uncertainty to world stability. The end of the Cold War and globalisation have also fundamentally changed the external environment for Singapore. Not only are convenient distinctions between domestic and international interests blurring, but the economic, political and security interests of states can no longer be neatly compartmentalised, instead interacting and overlapping in a complicated manner in a globalised world.

2. As a small city-state plugged into the international grid, Singapore cannot be insulated from the key global trends. The conduct of Singapore's foreign policy has become an even greater challenge.

Key Foreign Policy Issues For Singapore's Future

3. Southeast Asia remains in a state of flux following the Asian Financial Crisis. Some countries continue to face daunting political and economic challenges domestically. These difficulties have also provided fertile ground for terrorism and religious extremism to take root, fuelling ethnic conflicts and separatist movements. How countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines handle these problems will impact the overall security complexion of the region.

4. Singapore's future is inextricably tied to Southeast Asia. Managing bilateral relations with our neighbours, especially Malaysia and Indonesia, will remain a top priority. Occasional hiccups in our relations with our neighbours are inevitable. But we will continue to take a broad and long-term perspective of these relations, and not be side-tracked by differences over individual issues. We want stable and mutually-beneficial relations.

5. At the same time, Singapore remains firmly committed to ASEAN. The perceptions of Southeast Asia's political and economic drift, in contrast to Northeast Asia's dynamism, cannot be brushed aside. ASEAN must reinvent itself and keep pace with global changes. It needs to forge greater internal cohesion and rediscover a new direction. We will work closely with our ASEAN neighbours and Dialogue partners through the Initiative for ASEAN Integration and the Roadmap for the Integration of ASEAN to integrate the newer and older members and ensure that the region remains outward-looking. We will try, within our limits, to help restore stability and confidence in the region.

6. Beyond the region, the global anti-terrorism effort continues. Singapore is an open society, totally dependent on the globalised economy and an orderly, predictable international environment for trade and a living. Terrorism which strikes at this global system directly undermines our prosperity and security. We must take a clear stand and contribute our part to the international effort against terrorism.

7. The on-going anti-terrorism campaign in Afghanistan has also demonstrated the US' unmatched military superiority, in addition to its dominance in the economic, political and technological fields. How the US wields this influence will have profound implications for international stability.

8. Fortunately, the campaign against terrorism has impelled the major powers to emphasise their common interests. It has stabilised the US-China-Japan triangular relationship, which is crucial to Southeast Asia. But uncertainties remain. China's growth will change the balance of influence and power in the region. Its integration into the international system will require adjustments and accommodation on both sides. We will continue to engage the US to ensure that it stays in the region. We will consolidate cross-regional links and mutual understanding with Europe, particularly through ASEM.

9. We will also continue to support international organisations, particularly the United Nations. As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Singapore has supported initiatives that strengthen its role as the primary UN organ for maintaining international peace and security. In particular, we have contributed constructively to the Council's efforts in building international support for the campaign against terrorism. We will continue to be a constructive player in the UN.

10. The Singapore Cooperation Programme remains an important channel for Singapore to fulfil its international obligations by sharing our development experience with others. Within our limited resources, we will strive to maximise our reach and accommodate the changing needs of the recipient countries by seeking collaboration and partnerships with international organisations and other countries.