SINGAPORE (Bernama): Singapore will stay nimble and vigilant as it navigates through a "dangerous and troubled world” of growing geopolitical tensions, fragmentation in the global economy, and external threats including the latest mpox outbreak, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Speaking to local media on his 100th day in office, he said the island republic will continually find ways to strengthen partnerships, build new connections, and maintain relevance on the global stage.
"Unfortunately, we must expect even more (crises and shocks) to come in the coming years because we are in a world with increasing geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts everywhere.
"In this dangerous and troubled world, our relations with other countries are crucial, and establishing good rapport with both old and new friends, is a key priority for me,” he said in his first press conference since taking office on May 15.
The transcript of the interview was shared on the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) website.
Wong mentioned that since assuming his new role, he has hosted the prime ministers of Laos and Cambodia, and has also travelled to Malaysia and Brunei, adding that the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Malaysia later this year, more visits within Asean, and meetings with key partners outside the region are also in the calendar.
Wong, who is also the finance minister, is scheduled to attend the Asean Summit in Laos, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Peru, and the G20 Summit in Brazil, later this year.
"These are all opportunities for me to touch base with my counterparts. Some I have met before, but it is important that I meet them in my new capacity and establish good personal relations at the leadership level, as this sets the tone for our overall relationship.”
The prime minister plans to explain the republic’s foreign policy and external environment to fellow Singaporeans in the future, as it will help them to understand what is at stake, especially on critical issues where collective security and fundamental interests are involved.
"We must be able to come together as one people despite our differences in perspectives and take a common pro-Singapore stance to advance our national interests together,” he said. - Bernama
