In a meeting held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on August 30-31, Singapore reasserted its commitment to ASEAN’s regional integration and global governance initiatives. The 36th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AFM) marked an important milestone in the region’s efforts to promote peace, stability, and economic growth.
The meeting was attended by foreign ministers from all 10 ASEAN member countries, as well as representatives from China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States. Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan played a key role in facilitating discussions and negotiations on several key issues.
During the meeting, Singapore emphasized its strong support for ASEAN’s Central Economic Zone (CEZ) initiative, which aims to promote economic growth and regional connectivity. The CEZ is seen as a crucial component of ASEAN’s “Economic Corridor” strategy, aimed at enhancing regional trade and investment flows.
Singapore also stressed the importance of maintaining the region’s peace and stability, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts in the South China Sea. The country urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
Key Initiatives
- Singapore proposed the establishment of an ASEAN Working Group on Maritime Security, which would bring together experts from across the region to address maritime security concerns.
- The country also announced plans to launch a regional dialogue on climate change, with the aim of promoting sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
These initiatives reflect Singapore’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation and addressing global challenges. The country’s active participation in ASEAN’s regional governance structure is seen as essential for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Global Governance
In addition to its engagement with ASEAN, Singapore also played a key role in several global forums. At the G20 Summit held earlier this month, President Halimah Yacob reiterated Singapore’s commitment to promoting global governance and addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and terrorism.
The country also participated in the United Nations General Assembly, where it emphasized the need for collective action to address the world’s most pressing issues. Singapore’s delegate highlighted the importance of multilateralism in promoting peace, stability, and economic growth.
Conclusion
The 36th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting marked an important milestone in the region’s efforts to promote regional integration and global governance. Singapore’s active participation in these initiatives reflects its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and economic growth in the region. As a key player in regional and global forums, Singapore will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of Southeast Asia and beyond.