SINGAPORE: Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) says it is vital for the country to remain cohesive, alert and nimble to take advantage of the opportunities and to get out of harm's way if necessary.
It says that in a more unpredictable and fluid global environment, Singapore will cooperate with all countries and institutions that wish to cooperate with it.
At the same time, it will do what needs to be done to protect and promote the country's national interests.
The ministry outlined these goals in its addendum to the Presidential Address.
In
the addendum released on Saturday, MFA said that ASEAN remains
Singapore's core interest and cornerstone of its foreign policy.
It
said a more integrated and cohesive ASEAN enhances the region's
economic competitiveness and gives it a strong platform to engage key
international players, especially the United States and China.
And
ASEAN should not be distracted from its goal of building an ASEAN
Community by 2015, through the implementation of the three Community
Blueprints.
The ministry described Singapore's relations with its closest neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia, as good.
It said that strengthening these relationships on the basis of mutual benefit and mutual respect remains a key interest.
With
Malaysia, the resolution of the railway land issue and the handing over
of the waterworks under the 1961 Water Agreement to the Johor water
authorities were milestones in the bilateral relationship.
With
these issues settled and upcoming projects like the joint development in
Iskandar Malaysia and the Rapid Transit System link between Johor Baru
and Singapore, there is strong impetus for closer cooperation between
Singapore and Malaysia.
MFA said relations with Indonesia are
anchored by robust trade, as well as investment links and cooperation in
sectors such as health, environment and counter-terrorism.
Cooperation
with the Riau Islands (KEPRI), especially in the Batam, Bintan and
Karimun Special Economic Zone, will remain a priority.
Bilateral relations with the other ASEAN member states are strong and anchored in the bedrock of shared interests.
They
will be further strengthened through regular bilateral exchanges and
institutionalised linkages, including technical assistance through the
Singapore Cooperation Programme and Initiative for ASEAN Integration.
Turning
to the United States, MFA said the US military presence in the region
continues to be the vital and irreplaceable foundation of the stability
that is the necessary condition for growth.
It said the US remains a key strategic and economic partner.
MFA
said Singapore will continue to build on its excellent relations with
China and expand cooperation beyond the economic and political spheres
to areas such as education, culture and human resource development.
On
supporting Singaporeans abroad, MFA said it will continue to work
closely with the Overseas Singaporean Unit to keep them connected to
Singapore.
The ministry believes that the number of Singaporeans
seeking help overseas will increase as more travel for work, leisure
and education.
It will work closely with other agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of Singaporeans overseas.
- CNA/ir