SINGAPORE — In a significant move to enhance regional cooperation, Singapore reaffirmed its commitment to countering terrorism and promoting cybersecurity standards at the 26th ASEAN+3 Summit in Cambodia yesterday.
During the summit, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan emphasized the importance of collaboration among nations to address the evolving threats of terrorism and cyberattacks. “We recognize that these challenges are not limited by geographical boundaries and require concerted efforts from our countries to prevent their spread,” he said.
Balakrishnan also highlighted Singapore’s experience in implementing effective cybersecurity measures, citing its success in combating online threats through the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. He invited ASEAN+3 partners to share best practices and expertise in this area, with a view to strengthening regional resilience against cyber threats.
In addition, Singapore reaffirmed its support for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a major free trade agreement that seeks to promote economic integration among its member economies. “The RCEP offers a significant opportunity for our region to strengthen economic ties and promote sustainable growth,” Balakrishnan said.
Singapore’s diplomatic efforts have been focused on strengthening regional cooperation in recent months, with the country playing a key role in facilitating dialogue between ASEAN nations and their partners in East Asia.
Key Initiatives
Counter-Terrorism: Singapore has pledged to share its expertise in counter-terrorism with other countries, including through the provision of training facilities and capacity-building programs.
Cybersecurity: The country is working closely with ASEAN+3 partners to develop regional standards for cybersecurity and promote information sharing on cyber threats.
RCEP: Singapore has reaffirmed its commitment to the RCEP, which aims to create a comprehensive free trade agreement among its member economies.
These initiatives reflect Singapore’s continued efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and address pressing global challenges.
Conclusion
The 26th ASEAN+3 Summit marked an important milestone in strengthening regional ties on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity. Singapore’s commitment to sharing expertise and promoting collaboration reflects its leadership role in the region and its dedication to addressing shared security challenges.