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Ukraine conflict has implications for Asia Pacific; nations need to maintain dialogue at highest level: PM Lee

US President Joe Biden greets Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a joint news conference in the East Room at the White House in Washington, US, on March 29, 2022.

US President Joe Biden greets Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a joint news conference in the East Room at the White House in Washington, US, on March 29, 2022.

WASHINGTON, DC —  The Ukraine conflict has implications for the Asia Pacific because there are “potential flashpoints and contentious issues” in the region which, if poorly managed, could escalate to open conflict, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Tuesday (March 29).

“Countries with interest in the region need to pursue all efforts to settle disagreements through peaceful means, so that we can avoid making a point of no return,” he said at a joint press conference with United States President Joe Biden in Washington, DC following a meeting between the two leaders.

Stressing the importance of maintaining dialogue between nations, including at the highest level, PM Lee said these open channels will help avoid conflict between countries and prevent any misreading of intentions.

During the hour-long meeting between PM Lee and Mr Biden in the White House, both sides discussed US’ engagement in the Asia Pacific region, its commitment to regional allies and partners, as well as new areas of regional and bilateral cooperation.

The Ukraine-Russia conflict, as well as other global security challenges — North Korea’s recent missile launches and the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar — were also on the agenda.

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