In response to questions by the following Members of Parliament:
Mr Sitoh Yih Pin on the tools of Singapore’s Foreign Policy
Mr Alex Yam on relations with Malaysia and Indonesia
Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong on ASEAN
Ms Sylvia Lim on ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)
Prof Tan Tai Yong on developing cultural diplomacy
Dr Lim Wee Kiak on major power relations
Mr Ong Teng Koon on relations with major powers
Ms Ellen Lee on relations with Northeast Asia and the situation in the South China Sea
Mr Gerald Giam on responding to China’s territorial claims
Mr Liang Eng Hwa on relations with Japan, Korea and Australia
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar on Singapore-India relations
Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef on engaging emerging markets, the situation in the Middle East, and relations with Europe
Mr David Ong Kim Huat on Singapore’s role in the Arctic Council
Response by Minister K Shanmugam
Madam Speaker,
I thank the Honourable Members for their comments.
Singapore’s Foreign Policy
I thank Mr Sitoh Yih Pin for his statement on our international strategy. He highlighted two key tenets of our foreign policy: One, the realities that small states must contend with, and two, the importance of maintaining Singapore’s relevance, in the world.
At SG50, it is useful to restate the realities that have shaped our foreign policy. One, of course, our small size - lack of hinterland and natural resources; two, our multiracial, multi-religious society; and three, the evolving geo-political situation, featuring competition between major powers.
In this context, three imperatives have driven our foreign policy engagement since 1965. One, the need to protect our independence and territorial sovereignty; two, the need to maintain our relevance in the international system; and three, the need to assert our right to chart our own destiny, as a sovereign nation.
It is useful to recall what our founding prime minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, said in 1966:
And I quote, “A foreign policy for Singapore must be one as to encourage first, the major powers in the world to find it – if not in their interests to help us – at least in their interests to not have us go worse”; and
He added, “We must always offer to the rest of the world a continuing interest in the type of society we project”.
That remains valid today.
At the 2009 S Rajaratnam Lecture, Mr Lee again said, and I quote,
“Friendship, in international relations, is not a function of goodwill or personal affection.
We must make ourselves relevant so that other countries have an interest in our continued survival and prosperity as a sovereign and independent nation.
Singapore cannot take its relevance for granted.”
Over the last 50 years, we have developed strong sustainable partnerships at the bilateral, regional, and international levels; and created international space economic, political and strategic that we need, to advance and defend our interests.
I agree with Mr Sitoh’s observations on the uses of soft power to enhance our relevance in international relations. We have been doing so. He specifically suggested that we set up a Secretariat to monitor this. I can assure him that in my Ministry, this is one of the key priorities from Minister downwards.
Our relevance and soft power stems from our success. No one will really pay us any attention if we are a failed state. So, we have to continue to ensure that to be relevant internationally, we must remain exceptional. But we neither seek nor claim to be a model for others. But because of our success, people come to study our governance model and economic policies. And we must also remember the support from our friends around the world who helped us to where we are today. We learn from others.
So, for that, we should, where we can give back to the international community what we can. The Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) is the primary platform through which we share our development experience. And over 80,000 public service officers from around the world have come to Singapore to study our programme.
Our relevance in international relations is only a means to an end. It is not an end in itself. We need to be relevant so that others will engage and cooperate with us. That will allow us to work with others to advance our national interests, and shape and strengthen regional architecture.
That is particularly crucial in ASEAN. We need a stable peaceful prosperous region for economic growth.
ASEAN
Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about our role in ensuring a regional architecture that is conducive for peace, stability and growth.
And, specifically, Ms Irene Ng, made a number of comments as a sharp observer of international relations. Very nuanced observer. She asked, the state of ASEAN, which is a very good question, ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN’s future plans after 2015. I’ll try and answer them as well as I can.
Dr Tan Tai Yong asked about progress in ASEAN. As members will be aware, strengthening the regional architecture, with ASEAN at its core, has been a cornerstone of our foreign policy.
We work closely with other ASEAN Member States to preserve ASEAN Centrality and we try and keep the regional architecture open and inclusive. A strong and united ASEAN provides the framework to maintain peace and stability.
ASEAN creates a neutral platform for key stakeholders and major powers, in and outside the region, to engage in dialogue and to maintain peace and co-operate in various sectors. We also work closely with our ASEAN neighbours to build and maintain a coherent, cohesive and prosperous region.
Really, again, not an end in itself, but as a means to creating a better livelihood of our peoples. And as part of regional integration efforts, the ASEAN Community will be created by December 2015. And a key focus is of course the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
Ms Ng asked about the benefits of the AEC to Singapore. The AEC will integrate and transform ASEAN into a single regional market.
It will mean freer flow of goods, services, investment, skilled labour and capital within ASEAN.
There remain, however, issues to be sorted out. It’s by no means something that’s a clear and easy street. There have been questions raised about the AEC possibly leading to jobs lost, whether our SMEs will be disadvantaged, and if foreigners will be privileged over Singaporeans.
Some of these perceptions here, think about this.
Singapore grew at an average of about 3.6% over the last two years. 30% of Singaporeans go to university every year. About 46% go to poly. And a substantial number of the rest go on to some form of tertiary education. So, almost 100% of the cohort, we try and make them highly skilled, with good education. And we want to grow those skills even further. In our graduate population, as a percentage, polytechnic population, the population of skills from ITE as a percentage, are all increasing.
But Singapore itself is a very small market. We need access to a larger market. We have to be well-connected to the region to prosper and create jobs for our people.
Look at ASEAN. It grew at about 5.3% annually in the recent past, outstripping Singapore’s growth; some of the countries in ASEAN grow even faster. Taken together, the countries of ASEAN form the 7th largest economy in the world. An integrated ASEAN will benefit every ASEAN member country, including Singapore.
Every ASEAN country will benefit in its own way through the AEC. For us, the AEC provides our people and companies with greater opportunities across ASEAN.
You look at it in terms of the individual, professionals, people with skills, people with qualifications, from across the different sectors; ITE, polytechnic, universities, will have a broader market. If you look at our companies, likewise, they will have a broader market. And let’s put it another way. If you look at MNCs, all those people working in MNCs in Singapore, their jobs are dependent on the MNCs being able to export out of Singapore. Singapore itself is not enough of a market. So the greater the market, the more the benefits for a highly-educated, highly-skilled population, that exists in Singapore.
And we enjoy a unique position within ASEAN. We are a centre for capital. We have a safe, stable and secure environment that is conducive for business. There is rule of law. Singapore can become the New York of ASEAN.
Our choice is to be plugged into the AEC and benefit from it, or erect walls and prevent our companies and our people from reaping the benefits of integration. And are we really only better off with our small domestic market or do we want to be part of the 7th largest economy in the world? As the centre of the 7th largest economy of the world.
ASEAN has signed eight Mutual Recognition Agreements. These agreements facilitate the movement of skilled labour in the following professions: accountancy, architecture, dentistry, engineering, medicine, nursing, quantity-surveying and tourism professionals. But those who seek jobs must meet domestic regulations and standards set by national professional bodies.
The risk for us is not that the AEC will come into full force. Actually, there will be the various hurdles set up by the countries or the national bodies that prevent our people from fully benefitting from this integration. Integration is going to benefit everyone, obviously.
Madam Speaker, the integration and community-building efforts do not, and cannot stop on 31 December 2015. We are looking beyond 2015. We are working with our neighbours to develop the Post-2015 Vision for the ASEAN Community, and that is expected to be ready at the end of the year under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
We need to continue to promote a greater understanding of ASEAN to our people especially the young and how ASEAN can be more meaningful to them. Over the years, ASEAN has cooperated to improve the quality of life of its people. We adopted the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint. That Blueprint aims to build a people-centred and socially responsible ASEAN Community. I think Ms Lim may have a number of questions on that. At the ASEAN level, the ASCC addresses the following broad areas of cooperation: Human Development; Social Welfare and Protection; Social Justice and Rights; Ensuring Environmental Sustainability; Building the ASEAN Identity; and Narrowing the Development Gap.
There are about 339 action lines in the ASCC Blueprint. They are being implemented through the various activities undertaken by the ASCC sectoral bodies. The ASEAN Secretariat tracks implementation of the ASCC blueprint.
Unlike the AEC with tangible targets, the 339 action lines in the ASCC Blueprint seek to achieve aspirational and qualitative objectives. For example, the promotion of a sense of community among ASEAN citizens. There are specific items, identified as action items, but the other objectives are aspirational.
Specific to what we do in the context of young people, and the youth of ASEAN, there have been a number of activities that have taken place, ASEAN+3 Youth Caucus, ASEAN Young Professional Volunteer Corp, ASEAN Youth Humanitarian Seminar.
Given the various levels of economic development, different ASEAN Member States actually have different development implementation priorities. For example, some ASEAN Member States focus on education, healthcare, while others focus on security.
Singapore has actively participated and supported the activities that focus on the youth. For example, the ASEAN Youth Competition on Arts and Human Rights, held in 2014, which aimed to raise awareness of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration amongst the youth in ASEAN. We have given all of these activities publicity, both on the MFA website, and I put it on my Facebook. So for those members who are interested in what the Foreign Affairs does, they can follow my Facebook.
As regards to FIFA in 2030, the ASEAN has directed the Youth Ministers to go and study the possibility of hosting the World Cup in 2030. This is a complex undertaking. It is still being studied, because not least, you need to coordinate with ten countries, and see how the events can be held across ten countries. So that is being studied. So we will continue together with the other ASEAN countries, to look at how we can bring across this, the concept of ASEAN, to the individual on the street, and the young people.
And at the Foreign Ministry level, our Ambassadors-at-Large have been supportive of youth initiatives in order to raise awareness on ASEAN. For example, we have the Singapore Polytechnic’s Annual Youth Model ASEAN Conference.
Dr Tan Tai Yong spoke about the need for exchanges within ASEAN. I agree with him. There is a need for these exchanges to go beyond the political and institutional level. There is a need for closer engagement to extend also to the people-to-people level. In December, we will host the 8th ASEAN Para Games for the first time. We will welcome over 1,000 athletes with disabilities. The Games will serve as a platform to enhance inclusiveness and promote ASEAN solidarity. Under the ASCC Blueprint, we will explore concrete initiatives to strengthen people-to-people linkages and promote understanding of ASEAN.
We will work closely with our ASEAN colleagues and Dialogue Partners.
Relations with Neighbours
Mr Alex Yam sought an update on Singapore-Malaysia ties. He has also asked about our relations with Indonesia under the new administration.
Madam Speaker, our relations with both our immediate neighbours are stable and good.
Relations with Malaysia have made steady progress over the years. Our PM and Malaysian PM Najib Razak have had many good meetings. They have made good progress on many fronts. The next Leaders Retreat will be in Singapore on the 5th of May. Malaysia and Singapore are working together on key projects, including the iconic projects in Iskandar Malaysia, the High Speed Rail, and the Rapid Transit System. We also help each other in times of need. The upcoming Retreat will be another step in keeping up the positive momentum.
With Indonesia, we have also developed a positive relationship. We look forward to President Joko Widodo’s introductory visit to Singapore. Prime Minister met with the President at his inauguration last October and he had a private breakfast in Singapore last November. We look forward to maintaining a strong relationship with the new administration. And of course we are always looking into ways to expand mutual cooperation. We are Indonesia’s largest foreign investor. There is potential for us to do much more together. We will also explore strengthening collaboration in areas such as defence, environment and people to people links.
We also continue to maintain our special relationship with Brunei. His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei visited Singapore last year. Both sides reaffirmed the excellent state of the bilateral relationship. Both are committed to exploring new areas of cooperation. We are focused in particular on expanding links between our younger leaders and youth on both sides. We have also broadened and deepened our relationships with the rest of our Southeast Asian neighbours.
With Thailand, we continue to enjoy excellent relations. The current government has promised stability. Thailand is ASEAN’s second largest economy. It is important for us that Thailand succeeds. This is in Singapore’s interests and ASEAN’s interests. We wish Thailand well. Prime Minister Prayut is expected to visit Singapore for a Leaders’ Retreat this month. We look forward to working with Thailand. We want to strengthen Singapore-Thailand relations and promote ASEAN’s interests.
US, China and Japan
Let me now turn to the broader region, US, China, Japan. Dr Lim, Ms Ellen Lee, Mr Ong Teng Koon Mr Gerald Giam asked about the situation in the broader Asia-Pacific region, including relations among the US, China Japan, as well as the situation in the South China Sea.
There have been positive developments in the relationships in the countries in the Northeast Asian region. Tension between Japan and China has subsided somewhat, after the meeting between Prime Minister Abe and President Xi Jinping last November. The situation between the two countries however remain fragile. Good cordial relations between the major powers are important because that will help foster regional economic development and prosperity. We welcome Japan’s desire to play a more proactive role in the region to contribute to regional peace and stability. This should be broad-based and not just focused on security. Meanwhile, the risks of conflict remain in the Korean Peninsula, as well as South and East China Seas. The Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) has been ASEAN’s consistent goal.
Over the past year, there have been a number of developments. These developments have lent urgency for a need for a COC to be concluded between ASEAN and China. China has indicated its willingness to work towards a COC. It most recently repeated that commitment at the 17th ASEAN-China Summit. Singapore will work closely with ASEAN Member States and China to expedite negotiations on the COC. Meanwhile, we continue to urge all parties to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the South China Sea.
Mr Gerald Giam expressed a specific concern about, as he put it, China’s extensive building on reefs and islands and the militarization of those reefs and islands. And he asked about threats to freedom of navigation and pointed out that that is a serious risk for us. I thank him for those comments because the freedom of navigation is in fact, for us, it is an economically existential issue. It is as simple as that. Because we have two major arteries, northeast and northwest – northwest through the Straits of Malacca and northeast through the South China Sea. Our external trade is three to four times that of our GDP. And trade flow is therefore vital to our very existence as a sovereign state. His question is what will we do if China threatens freedom of navigation. What will we do as Singapore and what will we do as ASEAN. At this stage that remains a hypothetical question because China has confirmed, at the highest levels - Prime Minister Li Keqiang himself and through various other official platforms – that China guarantees freedom of navigation in South China Sea. The question is also hypothetical for another reason – because we cannot presuppose, one way or another, whether China is entitled to build on these islands and reefs, because that’s a circular question. It depends on whether China owns those islands and to what extent it has an EEZ and to what extent it has territorial sea and whether these are islands which are capable of generating either territorial sea or EEZ. And these are questions on which we take no position. They are to be sorted out between the various claimant states and subject to international law. So given that all those scenarios are hypothetical, and given China’s assurances on freedom of navigation have been given at the highest levels, our task really is to focus on the Code of Conduct, to make sure how the parties interact with each other while they engage each other in the high seas. If, for some reason, there are issues of freedom of navigation, what is there currently available are platforms for ASEAN and Singapore to engage China at the highest levels. ASEAN provides a platform – I’ve already talked about – ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, East Asia Summit and a variety of other platforms that ASEAN has set up, where these issues can be discussed with China; and taken up at the leaders level, at the foreign ministers level, at the senior officials level. Those are the very purpose of these platforms – to discuss these issues.
At the same time, it is important to remember that ASEAN-China partnership is a broad-based one. It is not restricted to the South China Sea. It is much broader than that.
China is either the number one or number two trading partner for almost every country in ASEAN. China is the largest investor in most countries in ASEAN, and if not the largest then the second largest. If you look at how the regional architecture is developing, what China has done in terms of its relationship in the last few years. If you look at mainland Southeast Asia, it is being crisscrossed with infrastructure, often financed by Chinese capital and built by Chinese companies. Which integrates mainland Southeast Asia effectively with southern China. And the mainland Southeast Asian countries welcome that. It increases their economic vibrancy and the whole region is becoming integrated economically. Beyond that of course China’s relationship with each of the ASEAN countries is being upgraded to a very high level. Some of it is based on economic diplomacy, some of it, for example, as in our case, is based on long relationships and mutual understanding. In addition, China also is the engine or motor that drives some of the very important regional initiatives. For example, the Asian Infrastructural Investment Bank, which is being set up to finance a number of projects in the region. And on the sea, of course there are the developments that Mr Gerald Giam has mentioned, there are other developments as well. The changes are happening very quickly and the response to these changes depends really on the countries involved. Some of the countries, if you take Cambodia and Laos, they have no claims in the South China Sea. And they see the benefits of these changes; all of us see the benefits of these changes. As we take a view, I think it is important that we understand what the changes are. I think it is a situation where if you don’t keep your eye on the ball and you come back to it two years later, the picture looks very different, and the countries and their alignments look very different.
We will do our best to achieve a balance, but we keep making the point, which sometimes sounds boring, but we are a small country. We try and keep relations on an even keel, and we take over as coordinator of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations at a very interesting time later this year
Madam Speaker, we have limited influence on major power relations. But over the years, we have a created a small niche role for ourselves. We have done this through our active promotion and participation in regional platforms. These platforms involve major powers. We try to be an honest broker in dealing with these issues and in our relations with the major powers. We work closely with like-minded countries to encourage the constructive engagement of the major powers in our region.
In the context of the strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific, I also want to mention Australia. We enjoy strategic convergence with Australia on key issues. We are working towards a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The CSP will be launched later this year by Prime Minister Lee and Prime Minister Abbott.
While we enjoy excellent relations with our partners, there are global challenges. These can complicate not only relations between nations, but also affect our own people.
Religious Radicalisation and Extremism
I can therefore understand Assoc. Prof Fatimah Lateef and Ms Ellen Lee’s queries. They asked about the threat posed by the expanding ISIS network and its impact on the region. The expanding ISIS network is a serious threat to global security. We are not immune. ISIS is really the latest manifestation of the forces that inspire religious radicalisation; extremism. We face risks in the form of terrorism arising from returned fighters as well as sympathisers of ISIS. All countries in the region have a strong interest to work together to address this. We have taken a clear, unambiguous position. We have condemned the actions of ISIS. We are doing our part to support the international coalition against ISIS. In Asia, countries have also taken a firm stance against the actions of ISIS. They are taking steps to address the threat of extremism. They have done this both domestically and through international cooperation. In this context, Singapore will be organising an East Asia Summit Symposium on Religious Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration in April of this year. This is to share best practices among member countries on tackling extremism. It is in the interest of all countries in the region to work together and deal with this threat.
Conclusion – Going Forward
Madam Speaker, there are fundamentals and strategic imperatives that have shaped our foreign policy. These fundamentals and strategic imperatives will continue to do so in the years ahead. We have to find ways to stay relevant. We must continue to nurture and build on existing partnerships networks, and deepen regional integration. To achieve this, maintaining a premier foreign service is crucial.
MFA’s Resources
In terms of resources, MFA’s officers are our greatest asset. Given the increasingly complex external environment, there will always be competing demands for the time and attention of our officers. They will continue to give their best even in times of resource constraint. However, inevitably one has to recognise that there is a limit to what can be achieved when there are severe resource constraints. As an organisation, we will continue to try and prioritise and allocate our resources effectively. Our officers will try and protect and advance Singapore’s interests on the global stage.
Minister Grace and SMS Masagos will answer the other questions.
Response by Second Minister Grace Fu
Thank you Madam Speaker. I will elaborate on Singapore’s relations with our other Southeast Asian neighbours and major partners beyond the region.
Our Other ASEAN Neighbours
Ms Irene Ng asked about Singapore’s relationship with ASEAN countries. Minister Shanmugam has covered Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Thailand. I will now cover the other ASEAN neighbours. Our relations with them are strong as we continue to deepen our relationships, and support them in their development and integration into the ASEAN Community.
Myanmar is in the midst of significant political and economic reforms. Singapore continues to invest in Myanmar’s development as we strengthen our links with the government and people for the benefit of both countries. For example, we have been working towards the establishment of the Singapore-Myanmar Vocational Training Institute in Yangon later this year which will contribute to Myanmar’s efforts in developing skilled labour.
With Vietnam, we continue to implement our Strategic Partnership on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and ensuring a balance of benefits. We celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations with Laos in 2014, and will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Thailand and Cambodia this year.
Singapore also stands ready to assist our neighbours during difficult times. President Tony Tan visited the Philippines last year, and made a special visit to Tacloban, an area devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. He also handed over Singapore’s contributions to the Philippines’ relief and reconstruction efforts.
The US and China
On the US and China, Mr Ong Teng Koon had asked about the state of Singapore’s relations with the US and China, including how we can further grow these relationships. Both the US and China remain key partners for Singapore and for many of our neighbours. They have important roles to play in ensuring continued stability and growth in the region.
Singapore’s political, economic and security ties with the US remain strong and substantive. PM Lee and Minister Shanmugam made separate visits to Washington in June and May last year, and met with President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry respectively. Our relationship with the US is underpinned by strong institutional frameworks and processes that have been established over the last decades. These include the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) that frames our defence partnership and cooperation, and the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA) which continues to be the cornerstone of our economic relationship. In fact, the US is our top foreign investor. More recently, MFA and the US State Department conducted our Third Strategic Partnership Dialogue in Washington in February this year. We will also be renewing our Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) to deliver more impactful joint technical assistance to the ASEAN region in 2015.
China’s growth and prosperity bring benefits to the region. It is the top trading partner of many ASEAN countries, including Singapore, as we have heard from Minister Shan earlier. Our relations with China continue to be excellent with regular high-level exchanges and robust economic and people-to-people cooperation. President Tan, PM Lee, ESM Goh, as well as DPMs Teo and Tharman Shanmugaratnam visited China in 2014. Singapore also hosted visits by Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, Guangdong Party Secretary Hu Chunhua, and Zhejiang Party Secretary Xia Baolong, among others. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Singapore-China diplomatic relations, and there will be an exchange of State Visits to commemorate the occasion. The Singapore Day will be held in Shanghai in April this year, reflecting the size of the Singapore diaspora in China.
Singapore’s cooperation with China has evolved to keep up with the times. Following our experience with the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) and the Tianjin Eco-City Project (TEC), we are now looking at working together on a third Government-to-Government project in China’s Western Region. We are also exploring new areas of cooperation in finance, social governance, food safety, sustainable development, and environmental protection.
Japan and the Republic of Korea
Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked for an update on Singapore’s relations with Japan and the Republic of Korea. Singapore and Japan share a close and multi-faceted relationship, and we cooperate closely on many issues of common interest. Singapore-Japan relations are further strengthened by frequent meetings between PM Lee and PM Shinzo Abe. In fact, they have met six times in the last two years. In 2014, PM Lee spoke at the Nikkei Conference in Tokyo while PM Abe delivered the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. We have also maintained good relations with the Republic of Korea, and will commemorate our 40th year of bilateral relations with a State Visit to the Republic by President Tan later this year.
India
Dr Intan asked for an update on Singapore-India relations and how this may in turn have an impact on business, employment and skills training opportunities for Singaporeans. Our relations with India are longstanding and warm. We are working with PM Narendra Modi’s government towards elevating our relationship to a Strategic Partnership, which will further deepen political and economic relations. As part of the commemorative events celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and India, President Tan made a State Visit in February this year, and President Mukherjee will reciprocate with a State Visit to Singapore later this year. PM Modi is also scheduled to make a visit to Singapore.
Singapore and India are cooperating, and cooperating with both the central and state governments in India in areas where we can add value, such as urban solutions and skills development. Our companies are working with the Andhra Pradesh state government on the master planning of the new capital city, as Member Intan had brought up. This project will position Singapore businesses to take advantage of downstream opportunities. We are also sharing our experience in vocational training with the Rajasthan government. Through such capacity building projects, we will in turn promote the Singapore brand name in India and beyond.
Europe
Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about our diplomatic relations with various European Union countries, as well as Singapore’s collaboration with new and emerging markets such as Eastern Europe. We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of relations with key European partners this year, namely France, Denmark, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. To mark the occasion as well as to celebrate SG50, we are organising commemorative events in Europe, while the European missions and communities in Singapore have also initiated various activities.
Over the decades, we have developed broad-based and substantive relations with Europe. We continue to explore ways to deepen ties through the exchange of high-level visits and regular interactions across many sectors. Recent visits include President Tan’s State Visit to the UK in October 2014 and PM Lee’s visit to Germany and Spain in February this year. President Tan is also scheduled to make a State Visit to France in May. On the economic front, the EU is Singapore’s third largest trading partner and the largest contributor of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Singapore. To further strengthen our economic linkages with Europe, we are working on the ratification of the EU-Singapore FTA (EUSFTA) and ESPCA. At the same time, we are also growing our strong links in vocational training. For example, Germany, together with Switzerland, is a key partner and learning model of the SkillsFuture initiative to develop pathways for applied and continuing education and training in Singapore.
Singapore engages Central and Eastern European countries bilaterally, but also within the framework of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). On the side-lines of the last ASEM Summit in Milan last October, PM Lee met several leaders from the region to discuss, among other things, economic opportunities in each other’s regions.
Notably, our leaders visited Poland, Hungary and the Slovak Republic in 2013 to develop linkages and to raise awareness of the economic opportunities of using Singapore as a gateway to Asia. We are looking forward to welcome Hungarian President János Áder when he visits in April 2015. We remain concerned about the situation in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko visited Singapore in December last year and briefed our leaders on developments there. We have taken a strong stand against Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine because we believe all countries, big and small, must abide by international law. This is especially vital to small countries like Singapore. We hope that a lasting resolution can be reached to restore peace to the region.
With Russia, the annual High-Level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) has been a useful platform for Singapore to highlight our positions on issues directly to Russian leaders and engage the different regions in Russia.
Australia
On Australia Minister Shanmugam mentioned briefly our relations, but let me add that this is the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Australia diplomatic relations; and also in response to Mr Liang Eng Hwa’s request for an update. As this is the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Australia’s diplomatic relations, it was amongst the first countries to recognise Singapore’s independence in 1965 and is a key partner with whom we enjoy a close and multi-faceted relationship founded on strategic convergence. There is bi-partisan support in Australia for good relations with Singapore. Both countries are taking this relationship to the next level by launching a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) this year, which will further broaden and deepen existing cooperation. The CSP will consist of a substantive ten-year work programme to strengthen collaboration across the key pillars of Economics and Trade; Foreign Affairs; Defence and Security; and People-to-People exchanges.
Expanding Singapore’s Space through Multilateral Platforms
In addition to nurturing good bilateral relations with our partners, Singapore also actively engages them through the various multilateral fora.
This year not only marks Singapore’s 50th year of independence, but also the 50th anniversary of our membership in the United Nations. The UN itself is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its establishment. Through the UN, we continue to play an active role as a responsible and constructive member of the international community. Negotiations are ongoing at the UN for the Post-2015 development agenda to be adopted this year. To show our continued support, we are looking for ways to share our experience and contribute to the development agenda, including through a new initiative for technical cooperation. We have consistently been active at the UN as convenors of the Forum of Small States (FOSS) and the Global Governance Group (3G). As the co-chair of the Group of Friends for Sustainable Cities, we will share at the UN our experiences in developing sustainable and liveable cities. This year we are organising the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum in June which will be held in New York City. We have also raised awareness of major urban challenges such as water and sanitation issues through events like World Toilet Day. In addition, the 21st Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris in December also needs to adopt a new global agreement on climate change. Singapore participates actively in the negotiations as we want to see a balanced global agreement with universal participation, where all countries, big and small, contribute to climate action in line with their national circumstances.
In addition, we continue to grow our diplomatic space through participation at other fora like the G20, and even in non-traditional areas such as, as have heard several times in the past, the Arctic Council. While we are not officially a member of the G20, which groups the largest economies of the world, we have been invited to participate in the G20 Summits, including the one to be held in Antalya, Turkey, in November 2015.
Mr David Ong asked what Singapore’s role was in the Arctic Council and how Singapore’s interests are expressed and protected. We became an observer to the Arctic Council in May 2013. This has allowed us to closely monitor developments in the Arctic that may impact us. This has also opened up new opportunities for us to deepen our engagement with Arctic states. As a low-lying island, we are concerned about the melting ice sheets and changes in sea levels. Our participation in the Arctic Council will inform us in the development of climate change adaptation strategies.
The melting of Arctic ice has enabled longer navigational seasons along the Northern Sea Route during the summer months, enabling ships to reduce travel times between Europe and Asia as compared to the traditional route through the Suez Canal. This translates to cost savings and faster voyages for shipping companies. Nevertheless, there remain many challenges such as the presence of sea ice and icebergs, limited mapping of the Arctic Ocean, and harsh weather conditions to operate in the Arctic.
SMS Masagos will now speak on our engagement with emerging markets in the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, as well as Singapore’s technical assistance and Consular services for Singaporeans abroad.
Response by Senior Minister of State Masagos Zulkifli
Madam Chair, Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about the situation in the Middle East, as well as how Singapore monitors our students and businesspeople living or travelling in that region. She also asked about Singapore’s collaboration with new and emerging markets, such as those in Africa and Latin America.
Middle East
The security situation in the Middle East will remain fluid for the foreseeable future. The Syrian conflict rages on with more than 200,000 deaths, and this could further foment instability in the region. The situation in Yemen is also of concern given the disintegration of the central government and fighting between armed groups. ISIS will continue to be a significant threat which the global community must grapple with. MFA will continue to closely monitor developments in the region which may impact Singapore. Having said that, we should not overgeneralise the same concerns across the whole of the Middle East as each region and country is unique in its own right.
Bilaterally, Singapore will continue to actively engage the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. There has been a major leadership transition in Saudi Arabia and we look forward to working with the new leadership under His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to boost bilateral relations. Our ties with the GCC are also sustained by institutionalised bilateral platforms such as the Singapore-Qatar High Level Joint Committee and the Singapore-UAE Joint Committee. We are also working to facilitate the implementation of the GCC-Singapore FTA, which came into force in September 2013. In addition, we will be commemorating 30 years of diplomatic relations with Oman, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait this year. As fellow small states, we share a certain affinity for each other and can cooperate for mutual benefit.
We also welcome the continued interest from the Middle East on our developmental experience. We continue to receive regular requests for study visits to Singapore and participate in our technical cooperation programmes which I will touch on later. Egypt, for example, is keen to study our experience in developing our ports and maritime industry as the Egyptian government embarks on the Suez Canal Regional Development Project. Others such as the Palestinians have sent delegations to look at our anti-corruption efforts and education system. When I visited Ramallah in October 2014, I assured the Palestinian leaders including President Mahmoud Abbas of Singapore’s continued support for its capacity building efforts. They welcomed this warmly.
With regard to safeguarding the safety of Singaporeans overseas, we would like to clarify that we do not “monitor” or pry into the movements of Singaporeans travelling abroad. Instead, our Missions proactively reach out to and work closely with overseas Singaporean communities, not only in the Middle East region, but in every part of the world where we can, on a regular basis to build a comprehensive safety network. In times of emergency, these communities play an important role in coordinating and relaying public safety messages to Singaporeans in their country. For example, PERKEMAS, the student association in Cairo played an integral role in coordinating our emergency efforts on the ground and proved integral to our successful execution of the assisted departure exercises from Cairo of our students in 2011 and 2013.
Turkey
Let me touch on Turkey. Besides the emerging markets in the Middle East, Singapore is working closely with Turkey to broaden and deepen our ties. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made an official visit to Singapore in January 2014 when he was PM. Our PM made his official visit to Turkey in October 2014 where he signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with his Turkish counterpart. During the visits, both countries affirmed their commitment towards achieving a high quality and comprehensive Singapore-Turkey Free Trade Agreement. I am pleased to add that good progress has been made on the negotiations to date.
Africa
Turning to Africa, there have been numerous positive developments that have opened up a window of opportunity for our private sector to tap into. During my visit to Kenya and Tanzania in 2014, I was impressed with the rapid economic growth and pace of development that was taking place throughout the continent. We will continue to take steps to institutionalise our engagement with Africa and to preserve the gains that we have achieved so far. For instance, the Third Africa-Singapore Business Forum saw 181 participants visiting Singapore. In addition, we played host to the First Sub-Saharan Africa High Level Ministerial Exchange Visit in August 2014 that was attended by seven countries.
Latin America and the Caribbean
Our account in Latin America continues to grow, as highlighted by the forthcoming State Visit by President Tony Tan to Mexico this month, and our healthy engagement with the Pacific Alliance, a key trading bloc to which Singapore is an observer. There are new areas of growth and opportunity for Singapore businesses. We are also exploring the feasibility of collaborating with Mexico and Chile to train officials from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Singapore’s Technical Cooperation Programme
Madam Chair, let me touch on the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), which has trained many government officials from all over the world. It is our primary platform for extending technical assistance. Indeed, over 170 countries have benefited from this programme for the last 23 years. I am happy to share that we expect to receive our milestone 100,000th participant this year. Through the SCP, we share our experiences in close settings, in governance, economic development, sustainable urban development and port management, just to name a few. Insights into our unique experience in planning, in development, in the renewal of our beautiful island are priced highly by many nations keen to learn as they, too, embark on urbanisation and development.
A significant part of our technical assistance continues to be focused on enhancing the human resource of our ASEAN neighbours. This is our way to make sure that we make a meaningful contribution to help build a resilient and integrated ASEAN Community.
In the year ahead, the SCP will also roll out new programmes to meet rising challenges and changing needs around the world. For example, we are offering a new suite of leadership programmes aimed at tapping on the collective experiences of senior foreign officials to address salient challenges affecting governance, women in leadership, education, urban planning and judicial processes. New programmes on social and family policies will also showcase Singapore’s progress in advancing the needs of women and children.
Consular Services
Madam Chair, I now move on to consular services for Singaporeans, which is a very important priority for MFA. Against the backdrop of external uncertainties and higher numbers of Singaporeans travelling abroad more frequently, MFA’s challenge is to meet Singapore’s growing demand for prompt and effective consular services, as well as to manage more complex cases efficiently with our limited resources in MFA.
MFA is committed to doing what it can to help Singaporeans, especially those in distress. When a tugboat sank in Jingjiang early this year, officers from our Consulate-General in Shanghai immediately rushed to the scene to provide assistance to the Singaporean next-of-kin who had sadly lost their loved ones in the tragedy.
MFA currently operates 49 Overseas Missions. Over the years, we have established a network of 30 Honorary Consuls-General in various major cities. In countries where we do not have any diplomatic representation, we cooperate closely with our ASEAN countries to render assistance to our nationals.
MFA will continue to improve its work processes, leverage on technology, and increase our outreach efforts in order to provide better consular assistance to Singaporeans. In this regard, emergency preparedness is an important priority. To ensure a high level of readiness within MFA (and within the government as a whole), simulation exercises and reviews of our contingency plans, as well as the training of officers are regularly conducted.
The above notwithstanding, MFA has to be judicious in our efforts. We are a small ministry. We cannot afford to deal with requests that will divert attention or limited resources away from Singaporeans who require genuine assistance. Singaporeans can help by taking precautions and remaining vigilant, both at home and abroad. They should also observe local laws, purchase comprehensive travel insurance, and take care of their passports and other important belongings.
Singaporeans should also try to keep track of MFA’s travel notices and advisories, which can be readily accessed via our app, MFA@SG, which they can download to their smartphones. The app also allows Singaporeans to eRegister so that we can get in touch with them in a major crisis.
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