HIDDEN_ADDENDA, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: MR GEORGE YEO YONG-BOON
Minister for Foreign Affairs

STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE: 1 The strategic landscape is becoming a little clearer. Globalisation is increasing global trade and the interdependence of nations. As borders become more porous, the

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distinction between domestic policy and foreign policy has blurred. Politics, economics and security are increasingly bound up together.

2 The enlargement of Europe and the rise of China and India are changing the global balance of power. The relationship of the great powers to one another is reconfiguring.

3 The rapid growth of China and India presents us with new challenges and opportunities. We must respond to the new global trade flows.

4 The problem of global terrorism is of a long-term nature. It has to be addressed at different levels and on many fronts. No country can fight the war against terrorism alone.

SINGAPORE'S FOREIGN POLICY PRIORITIES: 5 Southeast Asia is our base. Creating a strong ASEAN community is at the heart of our foreign policy. We need closer economic integration and effective regional institutions. Such an ASEAN will be able to establish stronger political and economic ties with dialogue partners. In the war against terrorism, we have to work closely together in ASEAN and also with our friends.

6 We will work to strengthen our relations with all our neighbours based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. We will give particular attention to Indonesia and Malaysia which are our closest neighbours.

7 Our objective is to have good relations with all the major powers while maintaining our autonomy. We will continue to improve our relationship with the US, EU, Japan, China, India and Russia. Our links to most countries in East Asia, South Asia and Australasia are excellent.

8 We are also reaching out to new partners. We are expanding our political and economic links to the entire Middle East. The Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED) is part of this overall effort. The Forum for East Asia and Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) is a springboard for us to engage Latin America. Our links to Brazil are growing. We have begun preliminary discussion with the South African Customs Union on a Free Trade Agreement.

9 As a small country, Singapore has an abiding interest in the proper functioning of international and regional organisations.We support the reform of the UN and its playing a greater role in world affairs. We participate actively in the WTO and work for an early conclusion of the Doha negotiations. We view APEC as a regional grouping which will help to secure peace and prosperity in the Pacific. We would like to see a stronger ASEM bringing the EU and East Asia closer together.

10 In recent years, there has been growing international interest in Singapore's development experience. Although our resources are limited, we try our best to help those who request our assistance. The Singapore Cooperation Programme is an important channel for us to make friends.

11 As Singapore's external wing grows, more of our citizens will travel overseas for work, study and vacation. While it is not possible to service them everywhere, we will provide facilities in the major cities where we have substantial economic interest.