In a bid to strengthen regional resilience against terrorism, the Singapore government has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering counter-terrorism efforts in Southeast Asia. At the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from November 12 to 15, Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, underscored the importance of regional cooperation in combating this threat.
The ASEAN member states have pledged to enhance their counter-terrorism capacities through a range of measures, including intelligence sharing, capacity building, and cooperation on law enforcement. The agreement is part of the Comprehensive Partnership for Counter-Terrorism (CPT) between Singapore and ASEAN, which aims to strengthen regional coordination and cooperation in preventing and responding to terrorist threats.
Singapore's Minister Balakrishnan emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that "countering terrorism requires a collective effort from our communities, governments, and international partners. The CPT is an important step towards building stronger resilience against terrorism and promoting peace and stability in Southeast Asia."
The CPT has been hailed as a significant development in regional counter-terrorism efforts, with Singapore playing a key role in its implementation. The agreement has facilitated the sharing of intelligence, best practices, and expertise among ASEAN member states, thereby enhancing their capacity to prevent and respond to terrorist threats.
Furthermore, Singapore's Minister Balakrishnan announced that his country would be hosting an inaugural Counter-Terrorism Workshop for ASEAN member states later this year, aimed at providing a platform for regional experts to share knowledge and best practices in counter-terrorism. This initiative underscores Singapore's commitment to supporting the development of robust counter-terrorism capacities among its regional partners.
In conclusion, Singapore's efforts to bolster regional cooperation on counter-terrorism are a significant step towards enhancing regional resilience against terrorism. The Comprehensive Partnership for Counter-Terrorism between Singapore and ASEAN serves as a model for other regions seeking to strengthen their capacity to combat this threat.