Despite global uncertainty, Singapore 'does not need to be pessimistic': Vivian Balakrishnan

SINGAPORE — The Republic recognises the uncertainty and volatility in the world today, but looking at what it has achieved this year, it does not need to be pessimistic in its outlook, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Monday (Nov 19).

Reviewing Singapore’s foreign policy this year in a ministerial statement in Parliament, Dr Balakrishnan said that even in times of geopolitical turbulence, Singapore has built up the “very precious asset of trust” with its neighbours and the international community, based on its adherence to international law and a rules-based order.

“We will continue to be nimble to adapt, seize opportunities and succeed,” he said.

“They (the international community) trust us because they know we are straight, honest brokers, we are sticklers for international law and a rules-based world order and free trade, and we believe in the sanctity of agreements and contracts.”

ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP A ‘WHOLE-OF-NATION EFFORT’

This has been a busy year for Singapore on the diplomatic front. It held the rotational chairmanship of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean), which culminated in last week’s series of meetings involving South-east Asian leaders and dialogue partners.

“Our chairmanship has been a whole-of-nation effort involving all our government agencies, our media, universities and think tanks, as well as the private sector,” said Dr Balakrishnan.

“Post-2019, Singapore will continue the role of ‘shepherd’ for the Asean Smart Cities Network, and bring new ideas to the table,” he added.

Singapore handed over its chairmanship to Thailand on November 15.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP

• During the Republic’s chairmanship, it led the formation of an Asean Smart Cities Network.

• A model Asean extradition treaty was finalised.

• The first ever guidelines for military aircraft encounters were concluded.

• A Single Draft Negotiating Text for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea was formulated.

• Substantial progress was also made on negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. It is poised to be the world’s largest trade pact, with leaders committing to conclude it in 2019.

TIES WITH NEIGHBOURS AND SUPERPOWERS

With Malaysia, Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore has had a “positive momentum of high-level exchanges” with the new Pakatan Harapan government.

“Issues will inevitably arise from time to time in our relations, and we will seek constructive ways to resolve them, while firmly protecting our national interests.”

As for Indonesia, Dr Balakrishnan said ties are in “good shape”, underpinned by the “robust and expanding economic cooperation” through projects such as the Kendal Industrial Park in Central Java and the Nongsa Digital Park in Batam.

Singapore has also had a number of high-level exchanges with China, Dr Balakrishnan noted, with the Belt and Road Initiative a new highlight in both countries’ bilateral cooperation.

He described Singapore's relationship with the United States as “robust”, spanning defence, economic and security, as well as people-to-people spheres.

Singapore also hosted the historic summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in June.

In his speech, Dr Balakrishnan also reiterated the need for Singapore to “double down” on its support for multilateralism and the rules-based global world order.

ROHINGYA ISSUE

In his statement, Dr Balakrishnan also spoke about the Rohingya refugees and the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, giving the House an update on his visit to the refugee camps in Bangladesh earlier in November.

He said based on his observations on the ground, the Bangladesh government has done an “admirable job” of providing humanitarian support to the refugees.

But he added that the current situation is unsustainable. “As long as the refugees remain in the camps and have no jobs and means of livelihood, they will have no future prospects,” he said.

“We have to welcome the fact that both Myanmar and Bangladesh are engaged in direct, detailed discussions on the preparations for the repatriation.”

This was an issue that some Members of Parliament sought clarification on, with MP Christopher de Souza asking for Dr Balakrishnan’s view on the repatriation of Rohingya that was scheduled to commence in mid-November, and if enough has been done to ensure that those who return will not face the same threats to their safety as when they first left.

To that, Dr Balakrishnan noted that there is “sincere goodwill” on the part of both Myanmar and Bangladesh, and that he can state “with a fair amount of confidence” that both sides sincerely want a return of the refugees.

He noted that Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has acknowledged that the refugees are residents of Myanmar, and they are entitled to go back. “This is a brave position for her to take,” he said.

But he said that the refugees themselves have to want to return, pointing out that their key concern is security.

“The domestic lesson for us here is... you understand why we are so focused on making sure inter-ethnic, inter-religious relations are looked after assiduously. Because once the fabric is torn, it’s very difficult to put together again.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA