Asia must learn right lessons from Ukraine at this dangerous point in history, says Singapore defence minister

Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen speaks at a plenary session during the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore June 12, 2022. - Reuters

SINGAPORE, June 12 (The Straits Times/ANN): Asia must learn the right lessons from Ukraine and continue fostering peace, cooperation and economic interdependency to avoid disaster at a "potentially dangerous point in our history", said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Sunday (June 12).

"We must heed the passionate and poignant advice from President (Volodymyr) Zelensky for pre-emption and prevention - once conflict breaks out, devastation ensues and a cure may not be possible," said Dr Ng, referring to the Ukraine head of state, who on Saturday spoke virtually at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, appealing for tighter sanctions against the Russian regime, which invaded his country on Feb 24.