Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan presented his ministry’s plans in the Committee of Supply Debate
- Managing relations with our neighbours
Dr Balakrishnan said that Singapore has a long-standing and broad-ranging relations with Malaysia and is confident that both countries will continue to have a constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship, and at the same time resume discussion on ongoing issues and projects.
Among the projects that Dr Balakrishnan highlighted were the Singapore-Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System Link and the Kuala Lumpur High Speed Rail which have been delayed since Malaysia’s last election.
On Water issues, Dr Balakrishnan emphasised that Singapore has been willing to listen and discuss Malaysia’s proposals for mutual benefit.
- Looking after Singaporeans overseas
Dr Balakrishnan assured that Singaporeans abroad will be taken care of. “We will leave no Singaporean behind. This is a 24/7 commitment,” he said.
Even as Singapore focuses on containing and overcoming the Covid-19 outbreak, the Government will do its best to take care of Singaporeans abroad who may be affected by travel restrictions or at risk of exposure to the virus.
With regards to the combating Covid-19, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Tan Wu Meng said that Singapore will work with its partners to include Covid-19 content into its health-related courses under the Singapore Cooperation Programme and help countries in the region strengthen their pandemic resilience.
- Singapore and the world
Dr Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s stance to avoid choosing sides and find ways to deepen and enhance cooperation between the United States and China as competition intensifies between them.
“Both the US and China must know that although we want to have good relations with both, we do not do things at their behest,” he said. “Ultimately, we act in a principled way and we will only do what is in the best long-term interests of Singapore citizens.”
Photo from Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s Facebook
