George Yong-Boon Yeo
Singapore
“Sir, I would hesitate to make it compulsory because that seems high-handed, and many Singaporeans, when they are overseas, rather prefer not to get in touch with us until they run into trouble. Then they scurry. And, really, in this age of the Internet and Facebook, it is not difficult.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, we have to take these comments in our stride. What is important is that in Prime Minister Najib, we have a Malaysian leader who is decisive and who wants good relations with Singapore. Settling the POA was not a simple matter. It took a few years of careful negotiations.”
“We are fortunate to be located geographically, economically and culturally, smack right in the middle between China and India, the two most important centres of growth in the world today. But because our economy links us in a myriad ways to the world outside, every change in the world feeds back to us directly or indirectly.”
“These issues are raised at the international level from time to time. A few years ago, we had raised this at the United Nations (UN), and if it is necessary and helpful to raise this at the UN, WHO or any other international forum, we will continue to do so. Yes, we have been doing this.”
“I think the important thing is to be effective. It is not just to give emotional satisfaction to our own sense of hurt and grievance. The important thing is to be effective, and if we can be effective without commotion, all the better. But if we need a commotion, we will have a commotion. But the key is to be effective.”
“At the broader level, Indonesia has also announced a voluntary carbon emissions reduction target of 26% by 2020, and up to 41% with international support. These emissions reductions are slated to come, in large part, from the forestry sector.”
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“This is the new context in which we seek to restructure the Singapore economy. We need sensitive antennas to detect new trends and comprehensive responses to threats and opportunities. The mission of the Foreign Ministry is to expand the external political and economic space for Singapore's continuing development.”
“The GCC has become a major economic partner of Singapore and we hope, eventually, with ASEAN as a whole. Last year, the GCC countries were collectively Singapore's nineth largest trading partner comprising 5% of Singapore's total trade. Underpinning our engagement of the GCC are various economic agreements, including the GCC-Singapore Free-Trade Agreement, various investment guarantee agreements and various double taxation agreements, or should I say, avoidance of double taxation agreements, and a number of bilateral platforms with Qatar, Oman, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. And in May this year, Singapore will host the second ASEAN-GCC Foreign Ministers Meeting. President Nathan made state visits to Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates in March last year. Senior Minister Goh visited Oman and Bahrain this year, and is planning more visits to the region later this year. We also received a state visit of the Amir of Qatar in May last year, and a visit by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in August. Right now, at the Asian Civilisations Museum, we have a beautiful collection of Mughal jewellery from the Kuwaiti palace, and even as we speak right now, there is an Omani dhow, sailing across the Arabian Sea to Cochin–the Jewel of Muscat, a generous gift from the Sultan of Oman, which is sailing with the monsoon to Singapore, retracing an ancient voyage which took place over a thousand years ago. People-to-people exchanges have also increased. In particular, inbound tourism from Saudi Arabia has increased by 7% from 2008 to 2009, and has quadrupled since 2002. In this new age of globalisation, space is opening up all around us. Although there are many challenges in the international and regional environment, we can find in them new ways to make a living.”
“Last year, President Nathan made a State Visit following the successful visit of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to Singapore in 2006. The Prime Minister also made a working visit to Japan last October. And the Prime Minister was one of the first foreign leaders to meet with the new Japanese Prime Minister. The Prime Minister's visit also set the stage for future cooperation in areas like green technology and ensuring a global free trade system through the APEC agenda. In addition, during Prime Minister Hatoyama's visit to Singapore last November to attend the APEC meeting, the Japan Creative Centre was launched by the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Hatoyama. And we hope that through this Centre, we can help Japan increase its soft power in the region. These visits and initiatives symbolise the close relationship between our two countries. Dr Fatimah Lateef asked for an update of our Middle Eastern account. On the whole, it is growing nicely. In fact, from not very much six years ago, we now manage a sizeable portfolio, all the way from the Maghreb to Iran. Non-oil domestic exports in the Middle East have doubled from about S$2 billion in 2003 to S$4 billion last year. Our direct investment in the Gulf countries has quadrupled from S$213 million in 2003 to S$850 million in 2008. Our companies have secured S$25.5 billion worth of projects in the Middle Eastern region in total. New projects in the Gulf include Sembcorp's S$1.5 billion project to build an integrated water and power plant in Salalah in Oman. And beyond the GCC, we have also made good progress in Libya where we secured projects worth some S$4.3 billion in the past two years. FDI from the GCC has also increased significantly, totalling S$2.3 billion last year. We hope to attract much more.”
“Singapore is also participating in the Shanghai World Expo. The Singapore Pavilion will showcase our "urban harmony"; an area where we have shared our experience with China over the years. Our bilateral relations with India are also excellent and multifaceted. All the major pillars of our bilateral relations – political, economic, defence and regional cooperation – have grown stronger. Institutional linkages have been established across several sectors at various levels and each side has become a significant investor in the other. Although bilateral trade declined with the global economic downturn last year, this is temporary. Defence and security exchanges have continued apace. In terms of people-to-people relations, tourist figures both ways remain healthy, and there have been frequent exchanges among scholars. Just yesterday, I was talking to Mr Iswaran about the new Integrated Resorts (IR) and how it will greatly increase the number of Indian tourists coming to Singapore. They are now talking about perhaps even two million tourists from India every year. We are now working on new areas of cooperation in education, culture and urban management. The new DPJ Government has broken a long period of LDP rule, a point made by Dr Lam Pin Min, the full implications of which are still not clear. Regardless, we expect Singapore-Japan relations to remain strong as we share many common strategic interests. Bilateral relations have also broadened in recent years to include cooperation in various non-traditional areas such as defence, anti-piracy and export control. In fact, there is such an ease in relations that when Ministers and officials meet, we can discuss new areas of cooperation.”
“All of us in ASEAN know that we need a strong long-term US presence in the region for our continuing peace and development. Our bilateral relations with China are excellent, underscored by strong economic ties, regular exchange of visits by leaders on both sides and a high level of people-to-people exchanges. President Hu Jintao's first State Visit to Singapore last November has raised our bilateral relationship to a new level. Four MOUs were signed during the visit which included the establishment of a China Cultural Centre in Singapore and the loan of a pair of giant pandas. We also celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park last May. Over the years, we have steadily broadened and deepened our relations with China through various bilateral mechanisms like the Singapore-China Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation. Last year, we announced a three-way collaboration involving the new Singapore University of Technology and Design, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Zhejiang University. We launched the China-Singapore Forum on Leadership Selection and Development, which is a new platform enabling political leaders and senior officials from both sides to exchange experiences and ideas on leadership development. We also established the Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council (SGCC) which will open new opportunities for our companies in the Pearl River Delta – one of the fastest growing regions in China. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China and it is a significant milestone in our bilateral relationship. Both sides are jointly planning a series of commemorative activities to mark the occasion, and we look forward to the ground-breaking for the China Cultural Centre in Singapore.”
“We have provided technical assistance through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) and under the Initiative for ASEAN Integration. Ms Indranee Rajah, Dr Lam Pin Min and Mr Sin Boon Ann asked about relations with the US, China, India and Japan. Our links with the Obama Administration are very good. Our relations with the US have remained stable, positive and warm. There continues to be high-level exchanges between both sides. The slowdown in the US economy has not affected Singapore-US economic ties in a significant way. The strong economic relationship is underpinned by the Singapore-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which came into force in the year 2004. Although two-way trade fell from S$86 billion in 2008 to S$67 billion last year, the decline is consistent with the overall decline in global trade. The US remained our third largest trading partner in 2009, after Malaysia and China, and both Singapore and the US are also significant investors in each other's countries. President Obama, together with several members of his Cabinet, visited Singapore for the APEC Leaders' Meeting in November last year. At the invitation of President Obama, the Prime Minister will be visiting the US in April to attend the Nuclear Security Summit. Despite many preoccupations, the US has made efforts to re-engage ASEAN. President Obama's attendance at the first US-ASEAN Summit despite his concerns about Myanmar, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's regular attendance at ASEAN meetings have sent a strong signal which is appreciated throughout the region. Later this month, President Obama will be making an official visit to Indonesia, where he spent a part of his childhood, and will have the opportunity to use his Bahasa.”
“But these challenges reflect a post-Soeharto, much more fragmented power structure in Indonesia which is a new reality we have to accept and work with. It means not only dealing with Ministers and leaders in Jakarta, but also with different branches of government, and with local governments at the provincial level, and at the level of the kabupaten. 4.00 pm This will be a critical year for Myanmar. At long last, elections will be held under a new Constitution that guarantees a continuing strong role for the military in Myanmar politics. The present Government promises that the elections will be "free and fair". Critical to its legitimacy will be the spirit of national reconciliation among the many ethnic groups in the country and the participation of the National League of Democracy and other opposition parties. We know there are ongoing discussions between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the generals, and hope that both sides will show flexibility and compromise. Singapore supports the ASEAN position calling for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her participation in the coming elections. If there is no reconciliation and the elections outcome is not seen as legitimate, especially by Myanmar's neighbours, then ASEAN will have a problem. At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' retreat in Da Nang, we expressed our concerns and our hopes in no uncertain terms to the Myanmar Foreign Minister. Bilaterally, our relations with Myanmar are good. Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein made his introductory visit to Singapore in March last year and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong visited Myanmar in June 2009 at the invitation of Prime Minister Thein Sein, and in Nay Pyi Taw, he also met Senior General Than Shwe. Singapore continues to do our part in helping Myanmar build up its capacity.”
“In May this year, Prime Minister Lee and Prime Minister Najib will be having a retreat to discuss how we can strengthen bilateral cooperation. I have been in discussion with Foreign Minister Anifah on the implementation of the Points of Agreement on Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) land and I am hopeful of a win-win outcome which will open up new areas of cooperation between the two sides. In particular, through the Joint Ministerial Committee, both sides have been discussing further cooperation in Iskandar Malaysia, including Singapore's investment in an iconic project and the possibility of linking the two urban rails together. Support of the Johor ground is a necessary pre-condition. When Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew visited Johor Baru to pay his final respects to the late Sultan of Johor, the new Sultan, Sultan Ibrahim, expressed clearly his wish for stronger relations between Johor and Singapore. Our new consulate in Johor Baru is already busy with work. On Indonesia, the re-election of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono last year was good for bilateral relations. Prime Minister attended his inauguration in October and President Yudhoyono made a bilateral visit to Singapore the following month. Earlier in the year, I signed an agreement to de-limit the maritime boundary in the Western part of the Singapore Strait with Foreign Minister Hassan. Later this year, Prime Minister and President Yudhoyono will hold a retreat to review our bilateral relations and explore new areas of cooperation. As to whether the present challenges in Jakarta, particularly on Bank Century, will affect our bilateral relations with Indonesia, I do not think so.”
“All of them see ASEAN playing a central role in the evolution of the regional architecture. At the G20 Summits in London and Pittsburgh last year, the ASEAN Chair was invited because of the importance given to ASEAN as a regional grouping. This recognition of ASEAN's role is in fact a triumph of our diplomacy but it also puts on us a heavy responsibility to pull our weight and respond in a timely way to new challenges and I think it also puts a particular responsibility on us to resolve our bilateral problems in a peaceful manner. Mr Palmer and Dr Lam asked specifically about ASEAN's response to Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's proposal for an East Asia community and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's proposal for an Asia-Pacific community, both with small "c"s. At our recent retreat in Da Nang, ASEAN Foreign Ministers affirmed the centrality of ASEAN. To the extent that new proposals strengthen, not weaken, ASEAN and our position in the regional architecture, we are prepared to consider them with a positive spirit but our strong preference is to be in the driver's seat, not because we think we are the best driver, but because we are the driver acceptable to all the passengers. And we are working with Vietnam and we strongly support Vietnam as the present ASEAN Chair as we now strive to do all the things necessary to establish a full-fledged ASEAN Community by 2015. Mr Palmer asked about the status of our bilateral relations with Malaysia and Indonesia, and about the situation in Myanmar. Under Prime Minister Najib, our relations with Malaysia are very good and their domestic challenges do not really affect this bilateral relationship.”
“The Charter is being implemented; the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights has been established; a Committee of Permanent Representatives now meets regularly at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta and 33 countries have accredited ambassadors to ASEAN; a currency swap arrangement called the Chiang Mai Initiative Multi-lateralisation was signed with China, Japan and Korea; FTAs were concluded with Australia and New Zealand, India and Korea; the first Summit Meeting between ASEAN Leaders and the US President was held in Singapore last November; ASEAN and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers met for the first time in Bahrain; we embarked on a major project to draw up a masterplan for connectivity along all dimensions, within ASEAN, and between ASEAN and the wider region; and a comprehensive FTA with China came into force at the beginning of this year, by far the biggest market in the world encompassing a combined population of almost two billion people. Relative peace in the region and the enlargement of our economic space have made possible Singapore's continuing economic development. For this reason, a strong ASEAN is at the heart of our foreign policy and our economic policy, and both MFA and MTI work very closely together to ensure that our objectives are met and our interests safeguarded. Singapore and a number of other ASEAN countries would like to see the ASEAN Flag flying side by side with national flags at the overseas missions of all ASEAN countries in the world. And I hope we can do that by the time we establish an ASEAN Community in 2015. The major powers are all friendly to ASEAN and want to see us do well because our unity and development are in their interest.”
“It is important that the decisions of the G20 take into account the interest of other countries and are supported by them. The G20 process should strengthen the UN and other international organisations, not weaken them. Mr Sin Boon Ann asked about Singapore's goals in the UN. What we do to help the G20 is an illustration of the general approach we take in the UN to improve global governance. A world governed by rules of civilised conduct, where might does not equal right, is crucial for our well-being. This was the position we took when we were in the Security Council in 2001-2002. Happily, many countries in the UN share our worldview. While maintaining good links to the major powers, we have been very active in building coalitions among smaller countries so that our interests are also protected. Over the years, we have promoted an informal Forum of Small States (FOSS), consisting of countries with populations of less than 10 million people. These countries make up half the membership of the UN. By sharing information, exchanging views and occasionally acting together, FOSS has become a significant grouping. Every year at the General Assembly, I host a makan kecil for members of FOSS. And when we meet each other, we say, half in jest, that "The FOSS is with you". Mr Michael Palmer asked how ASEAN is shaping the larger regional architecture. Dr Lily Neo and Dr Mohamad Maliki are concerned about ASEAN's effectiveness and its usefulness to Singapore. Despite severe challenges last year during the Thai Chairmanship, ASEAN has not only held together, it continued to make progress, although not as much as we would have hoped for.”
“Although negotiations for the TPP will not be easy, Singapore will work hard along with other countries to move the process along. APEC leadership will also be crucial as part of the global concerted effort in addressing the challenges of climate change, globalisation and macro-economic imbalances. During the Singapore Meeting, international financial reform was a major item on the agenda. As 10 of the 21 APEC Economic Leaders had attended the G20 Meeting in Pittsburgh two months before, the discussions on financial reform flowed naturally into the Singapore Meeting. Mrs Josephine Teo and Dr Fatimah Lateef asked about the importance of the G20 to us and of our participation in it. Singapore has a strong interest in good global governance, not least because we are a major international financial centre. We see the G20 as an important agent of positive change. For this reason, both in ASEAN and in APEC, we support strongly the G20 process and contribute in whatever way we can. Finance Minister Tharman participated in some of the meetings, and we hope to be able to continue participating in future meetings at the highest level possible. As a global financial centre, we believe we have a useful contribution to make. At the UN, we have helped form a group of countries called the 3G countries which means Global Governance Group, a name coined by the Liechtenstein Foreign Minister which we contracted to "3G" so that it does not sound too grandiloquent. We participate in this 3G process in order to help the G20 assume greater legitimacy in the global community of nations. It is to improve the G20's interaction with the general membership in the UN, which in turn would build wider support for G20 actions.”
“Sir, I thank the Members of Parliament (MPs) who asked questions about Singapore's foreign policy. Mr Michael Palmer asked about the future of APEC after Singapore's chairmanship last year and how APEC fits into the regional architecture. The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) in Singapore last November was successfully held, produced good results and on the whole enhanced Singapore's international reputation significantly. There was a strong spirit of cooperation which we hope will also suffuse the coming meetings, first, in Yokohama, then in Honolulu, then Vladivostok. And we are working with the incoming Chairs in particular Japan and the US in ensuring that what we have done in Singapore will be followed through into the next two venues. As APEC accounts for roughly half of global trade and production, it is the most important regional organisation in the Asia-Pacific. Promoting greater regional economic integration and fighting trade protectionism are the major challenges in our common effort to achieve the Bogor Goals of a region of free and open trade and investment by 2010 for developed economies and 2020 for all the economies. An important initiative which can help get us there is the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), which was given a strong push forward during the Singapore Meeting. Before US President Obama arrived in Singapore, he affirmed his Administration's support for this initiative. By drawing the US, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru and possibly Vietnam as well into one large regional free trade area, the TPP will generate positive momentum in APEC towards the achievement of the Bogor Goals, as well as towards a possible Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Romanian government through its spokesman has clearly disassociated itself from the allegations made by Dr Ionescu . I think that is not in doubt. If he is charged and we ask for him to be sent to Singapore, then the Romanian government will have to act according to its own law. And no doubt this matter will appear before Romanian courts. According to Interpol Bucharest, in response to queries posted by our AGC, according to the Romanian Criminal Code, "criminal law shall apply to offences committed outside Romanian borders if the perpetrator is a Romanian citizen. Interpol Bucharest added that the Romanian Court "is conducting penal proceedings against Dr Ionescu for homicide by negligence, corporal injury by negligence, left from the scene of the accident and forged declarations". So there is due process in Singapore, and there is due process in Romania. And, perhaps, let us take this one step at a time and not speculate because acting in haste or over-speculating may be injurious to our own case itself. PARK AND RIDE SCHEME (Publicity) 8. Mr Viswa Sadasivan asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Government has studied the positive impact of the Park and Ride Scheme which motivates motorists to use public transport; and (b) what are the reasons for not constructing more of such facilities and the lack of publicity for the existing facilities.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, what the Romanian Foreign Ministry and the Romanian Ambassador have assured us, I have already stated earlier. On the Coroner's Inquiry, the State Coroner has not issued a witness summons to Dr Ionescu as he is not in Singapore. The question of immunity from the witness summons therefore does not arise. MFA has instead sought the assistance of the Romanian Embassy to request Dr Ionescu to return to Singapore to attend the inquiry as an interested person. The State Coroner has the discretion to allow interested persons, ie, persons who have a legitimate interest in the death of the deceased, to take part in the Coroner's Inquiry such as by making a statement or by putting questions to the witnesses. We do not know whether Dr Ionescu will return to Singapore to attend the Inquiry and we cannot force him. The Inquiry will take place with or without Dr Ionescu presence. But as MFA pointed out to the Romanian Ambassador, if Dr Ionescu was not the driver, as he claimed, then it would be in his own interest to attend the inquiry to give his account of the events and pose questions to the witnesses. As to what happens after the Coroner's Inquiry, we have to take it one step at a time.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no extradition treaty nor any alternative extradition arrangements with the Romanian government.”
“And, indeed, as was pointed out in Straits Times, in December 2004, the Romanian government had faced a similar situation when one of its nationals was killed in a traffic accident by a US national with diplomatic immunity in Romania. That incident caused an uproar in Romania. We have left the Romanian government in no doubt about the depth of feelings in Singapore on this matter. What we do next will depend on the outcome of our Coroner's Inquiry and the Romanian Government's response to our requests. We are closely monitoring what the Romanian authorities are doing. We expect their actions to match the words of the Romanian Foreign Ministry spokesman and the assurances that the Romanian Ambassador has given us. But I must stress that whatever we do in Singapore must always be in conformity with our own legal system and our international law obligations.”
“However, we should never do anything that is not in keeping with due legal process nor descend into trial by media. Otherwise, we will weaken our own case. When Dr Ionescu left Singapore in December 2009, the Police had not yet completed their investigations. In any case, we could not have prevented Dr Ionescu from leaving Singapore because as a diplomat accredited to Singapore, he enjoyed diplomatic immunity and could not be detained. Diplomats of all countries are accorded privileges and immunities under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to enable them to carry out their diplomatic functions. Romania and Singapore are parties to the Vienna Convention. Singapore is legally bound to give effect to the Convention. Even if we were not so bound, it is in Singapore's interest to observe the privileges and immunities accorded by the Vienna Convention because our own diplomats enjoy such privileges and immunities in foreign countries. But diplomatic immunity is not meant to be abused. MFA has zero tolerance for any abuse of diplomatic immunity by our own diplomats, even in such matters as parking fines. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman was also quoted in the media as saying "The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly demands and expects its diplomats to respect – absolutely and with no equivocation – the national laws of the country to which they are accredited". This means that the Romanian government, like the Singapore Government, takes the position that diplomatic immunity is not a licence to flout the law.”
“In the meeting with Ambassador Neagu on 11th February 2010, MFA also sought clarification on Romanian media reports in which Dr Ionescu had alleged that this was a case of a "set-up" by the Singapore Government because he had been reporting on political activities in Singapore. We told Ambassador Neagu that if these media reports had accurately quoted Dr Ionescu, then he had made very serious allegations against the integrity of the Singapore Government which MFA categorically rejected as lacking any basis in fact. These allegations were also a gross insult to the victims of the accidents in December 2009. We gave the Ambassador facts that clearly showed Dr Ionescu's claim that he had been accused of being the driver in a hit-and-run accident in 2007 was entirely false. We made these representations public in a MFA press statement the same day. The Romanians responded swiftly. A Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, in a written response to the Straits Times of 12th February 2010, stated that "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania firmly dissociates itself from Mr Silviu Ionescu's statements made after his employment contract with the Foreign Ministry was suspended." The spokesman was also reported in the media as dismissing the claim by Dr Ionescu that he had been "set up" as "lurid allegations" which "do not even deserve to be commented upon as they are devoid of any substance". The circumstances of the accidents understandably made many Singaporeans very angry with Dr Ionescu. And some have criticised the Singapore Government for not acting immediately to detain him. Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully understand the outrage many Singaporeans feel over the hit-and-run accidents and the tragic death of Mr Tong.”
“MFA has also asked Ambassador Neagu if Romania could give Singapore an undertaking that Dr Ionescu would be prosecuted for what he had done in Singapore, and if found guilty, be sentenced to a criminal penalty that is commensurate with his actions. We were assured by Ambassador Neagu that Romania would follow the full extent of its own law. The Ambassador also assured us that he understood our concerns and that the Romanian people understood our concerns. The Romanian government has not yet responded officially to these TPNs. We trust that they will do so without undue delay as the Coroner's Inquiry will begin in March. There have been some media reports which at first quoted a Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman as saying that they would waive immunity for Mr Trusca to allow him to testify at the Coroner's Inquiry, but subsequent media reports quoting the current Charge d'Affaires of the Romanian Embassy merely stated that "the decision will be communicated to the Singapore authorities as soon as possible", implying that a decision has yet to be made. We are seeking clarification from the Romanian Embassy on these apparently conflicting statements which in any case do not constitute an official reply to our TPN. The media, quoting the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, had also reported that the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed Dr Ionescu of the TPN asking that he attend the Coroner's Inquiry but that it could not compel him to do so as he had already been suspended from the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But, again, we have yet to hear officially from the Romanian government on this.”
“He subsequently informed MFA that the Romanian Foreign Ministry had suspended Dr Ionescu from his duties with effect from 4th February 2010, after the Romanian Prosecutor's Office began the criminal investigation of Dr Ionescu on 2nd February 2010 on charges of "manslaughter, unauthorised departure from a vehicle accident site, and misrepresentation". Ambassador Neagu stated that this was the first step in their criminal procedure. After the dates for the Coroner's Inquiry were set, MFA summoned Ambassador Neagu from Tokyo to the Ministry on 11th February 2010. As the legal systems in Singapore and Romania are different, we explained our system of Coroner's Inquiries and sought clarifications on the Romanian system of investigations and prosecutions with regard to the criminal investigation of Dr Ionescu and the charges brought against him by the Romanian authorities. We also asked for more information on the status of the criminal proceedings in Romania against Dr Ionescu. At the same meeting, MFA formally requested via a Third Person Note (TPN) that Dr Ionescu return to Singapore to attend the Coroner's Inquiry. We pointed out to the Romanian Ambassador that if Dr Ionescu was, as he had claimed, not the driver, then it would clearly be in his own interest to attend or to have a lawyer represent him at the Inquiry to present his version of the events as well as to question witnesses. At the same time, MFA also formally requested by TPN the Embassy to waive the diplomatic immunity of the Embassy driver, Mr Trusca, so that he could give evidence at the Coroner's Inquiry.”
“Sir, the Police conducted a thorough investigation into the two hit-and-run accidents on 15th December 2009 involving a vehicle belonging to the Romanian Embassy with registration number S3401CD. The accidents had led to the tragic death of Mr Tong Kok Wai and injuries to Mr Bong Hwee Haw and Mr Muhammad Haris Bin Abu Talib. When the Police investigations were completed, the investigation papers were submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC). We are now proceeding with the Coroner's Inquiry into Mr Tong's death. The State Coroner conducted the first Mention of this case on 27th January this year. The Coroner's Inquiry will be held from 3rd to 10th March next month. The Police investigations revealed that the Romanian Embassy vehicle was not stolen and the driver of the vehicle at the time of the two accidents was Dr Silviu Ionescu, who was then the Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy. Dr Ionescu left Singapore on 17th December 2009, ostensibly to seek medical treatment in Romania. MFA has been in touch with the Romanian Embassy since the beginning of the investigations. We have stressed to the Embassy that it should cooperate fully with the Police. When the Police wanted to interview the Embassy's regular driver, a Romanian, MFA called in the Charge d'Affaires to request their cooperation. The Embassy agreed and the Police interviewed the driver. On 6th January 2010, the Romanian Ambassador, Mr Aurelian Neagu, who is resident in Tokyo, informed MFA that Dr Ionescu had been recalled from his post in Singapore with effect from 5th January 2010 and the case had been referred to the Romanian Prosecutor's Office to conduct an investigation. Ambassador Neagu also gave his assurance that Romania was ready to cooperate fully.”
“In that case, it is not a problem because there are commercial agreements between the Indonesian government or provinces with Singapore legal entities and that is fine. But the Singapore Government is not involved in that. Column No : 1692 MEASURES TO COOL THE PROPERTY MARKET (Update) 4. Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for National Development if he will provide an update on the impact and effectiveness of the measures to cool the property market, in particular (i) the effect of the abolition of Interest-Only Loans (IOL) and Interest Absorption Scheme (IAS); and (ii) the re-introduction of the Confirmed List of land sales for the first half of 2010.”
“By leasing, I believe Mr Chiam is referring to the leasing of sovereignty, not just the leasing of land use –”
“We are not in a position to comment on Indonesia's willingness to lease their islands to private companies. The Singapore Government has no plans to lease any islands from Indonesia.”
“Although it is invovles only 21 economies, it accounts for more than half the worlds' economy and it is almost half of global trade. And it is by far the faster growing half of the world, one which is full of hope, full of optimism about the future, eager to learn from one another, keep the lines of communication and trade open, and then within this framework, if there are specific agreements that we can enter in a binding way, we will do so because they are mutually beneficial. So we talk about how to actualise the Bogor goals, work towards a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific, which is binding, even though the Bogor goals themselves are not. The Trans-Pacific Partnership which if it comes about, with eight members, will be binding and serve as a building block towards a future FTAAP. So I think we have somehow in the Pacific, without quite planning for it to be so, achieved a good balance between binding agreements and non-binding efforts to keep everybody moving and encouraged in the same direction. Column No : 1691 LEASING OF VACANT ISLANDS FROM INDONESIA 3. Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in view of Indonesia's willingness to lease one of its islands to a private Australian company for use as a tourist resort, whether the Singapore Government will approach Indonesia to enquire if it will be willing to lease one of its 17,000 vacant islands to Singapore to develop it for mutual benefit.”
“The problem of balanced development will become more challenging in the coming years because of globalisation. It is natural that with competition, some groups will do better than other groups, some countries will do better than other countries. The solution is not to prevent those who can move faster from moving faster. The solution must be to help those who have difficulty catching up, to catch up more quickly. For this reason, one of the critical pillars of APEC is helping countries which are further behind with capacity building. And we do this in many ways, through conferences, through courses, through peer assessments. In fact, what we call ECOTECH – Economic and Technical Cooperation – dominates the practical agenda of APEC. In other words, we are not tying ourselves to specific measures to help one another, but we are making use of peer pressure and competition to encourage everybody to move along and together. And it has worked quite well so far. In Europe, every meeting they vote to take decisions. Because of that, officials enter meetings in a very tense way with negotiating positions all ready for fights and long meetings. In APEC, because the targets are often soft, people are prepared to discuss things more freely. This was pointed out to me not just by the European Commissioner I mentioned earlier, but by others as well. There are pros and cons. It means that if countries do not measure up to what they said they will do, there is nothing we can hold against them as these decisions are non-binding. So what has happened within APEC is within that collegial framework, there are specific agreements which are binding being carried out. So APEC provides, as it were, general goal-setting for the entire region.”
“Mr Speaker, I have also personally received a few of those complaints, including an email from a businessman in Suntec City who said business was down during the week that the APEC meeting was on. But at the same time, we have learnt from the experience of the World Bank/IMF experience and even though keeping security in place was critical, we have been able to do so, by minimising the inconveniences to Singaporeans. To be a conference city, there are bound to be such inconveniences from time to time, affecting taxi drivers, shops and Singaporeans who live in the city area. But I believe, on the whole, there is general recognition that all this global limelight on us redounds to a much larger, greater advantage, and that in the end it means more people coming here, more people respecting our ability to organise and do things in an efficient, simple, practical way. It will, in the end, lead to more investments and jobs. I think, on the whole, the positive feedback drowns out the few negative comments that we have received.”
“In a sense, we in ASEAN feel justified that all these years we have advised the Americans and the Europeans to continue engaging Myanmar even though they may be unhappy about its policies, which is indeed our position as well. Members of Parliament, like Mr Charles Chong, have always taken a very principled stand on some of the things that some of us find objectionable. But what is happening with respect to Myanmar has to be seen against the larger backdrop of the US engagement of Asia as a whole. The key is really US-China relations, which have become very multi-faceted, a very big account which was put on a stable footing by former President Bush, and which President Obama is determined to maintain and keep steady. As part of it, the US has to strengthen relations with other countries in Asia, including countries in ASEAN.”
“Thank you to the Member for her remarks about all those who have contributed to the success of the recent APEC meeting. Prime Minister Lee will be hosting a reception to thank all those who participated directly or indirectly. As for the Member's question about the US engagement of the region, for the first time, we have had a summit between the US President and all 10 Leaders of ASEAN. And for the first time, the US did not make Myanmar an issue in the way, which it was in the past. There were proposals to host such summits before but they always stumbled over this issue of Myanmar. There are things happening now, not all of which are in the public domain. After Senator Webb's visit to Myanmar some months ago, there is now direct contact between the two governments – the US and Myanmar. When Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell was there recently, he met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. She, in turn, has asked to meet Senior General Than Shwe, so things are happening. In the meantime, the US and Europe keep sanctions on as a way to pressure the government and I think they are only prepared to relax sanctions if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were to ask them to. So in this way, their strategy is to strengthen her and not to weaken her. But the government, on its own, has undertaken to hold free and fair elections next year. Well, we hope they will be free and fair, and we hope there will be national reconciliation involving not just NLD (National League for Democracy) but also the various ethnic groups, many of which are still armed, and that the country can then move smoothly into a constitutional framework and make progress after that.”
“An important development was US President Barack Obama’s announcement that the US will engage in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and work towards a broad-based and high-quality agreement. There are plans to extend the TTP to an eight-member grouping with Australia, Peru, US and Vietnam joining the original four members which are Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. The TPP will set off positive competitive dynamics which can help us achieve the ultimate objective of an FTAAP. To answer the second part of Mr Teo Siong Seng’s question, with more than 7,000 foreign delegates in town, the APEC meetings were also a good opportunity to showcase Singapore on the global stage and enhance our attractiveness as a leading global city. Although there were minor problems, the meetings and collateral events were generally well run. The feedback that we have received is mostly positive. As a result of APEC, I can say that Singapore’s reputation as an efficient place to hold conferences and do business has been enhanced. This is valuable. Singapore is proud to have been the host APEC economy in APEC’s 20th year. It has been a long journey, involving not just Government officials but many Singaporeans who played their part to make the event a success. Our goal was not only to deliver a good meeting and be efficient and effective but also to be good hosts, showing the warm and friendly side of Singapore. It was more than a cast of thousands. All Singaporeans participated directly or indirectly, including many who were overseas who cheered us on.”
“" concluded that the impact of APEC membership on trade is comparable to that of a free trade agreement, even without a binding agreement. The Ministerial and Leaders’ meetings covered a lot of ground. We reviewed the global economic situation, launched new initiatives that will help businesses and discussed growth strategies to promote durable recovery. In particular, there was broad agreement on re-orientating our growth strategies to address the challenges of climate change, globalisation and macroeconomic imbalances. There was also a clear stance rejecting all forms of protectionism and we reaffirmed our commitment to conclude the Doha Development Agenda in 2010. We continue to hold high the Bogor Goals of free trade and investment in the region. One common target agreed on is to make it 25% cheaper, faster and easier, on average, to do business in the region by 2015 in five priority areas. This means time and cost savings in areas like starting a business and the processing of trade documents. We also started an initiative among seven economies allowing traders to self-certify a product’s origin in order to claim preferential tariffs made available by Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). They are Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States. This initiative will help companies more fully realise the benefits of FTAs by reducing the cost of complying with multiple Rules of Origin. There was consensus among the Leaders that APEC economies should step up their efforts to realise the vision of a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP).”
“We received good feedback on the CEO Summit which was one of the largest, if not the largest, ever. Fourteen APEC Leaders participated in the CEO Summit. At the various meetings, there was a general hopefulness about the future of the region, many believing that this will be an Asia Pacific century. As the premier regional organisation representing more than half global GDP, APEC is well-placed to articulate the region’s perspective on global economic issues. There was agreement that APEC should work with the G-20 and that the APEC and G-20 agendas should be aligned, so that they can be mutually supportive for the good of the region and the world. APEC has become a platform for Leaders, Ministers and officials to meet regularly and develop personal ties. In addition to the formal APEC meetings, many bilateral meetings were held at the sidelines. When problems arise, the institutional and interpersonal networks are already in place to help address them. A former European Commissioner remarked to me that APEC meetings had a different quality from many others he attended. Unlike European meetings which were legalistic, APEC meetings were more exhortative. The non-binding nature of APEC decisions creates different conference dynamics. At the end of the day, APEC's relevance depends on its ability to deliver tangible outcomes. Because of the non-binding nature of APEC decisions, Leaders and Ministers can afford to be more candid and more open to new ideas. Decisions nevertheless carry force because of peer pressure. A recent study by an independent research team on the much-debated question "Does APEC really make a difference to trade?”
“The 17th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) was the culmination of our 2009 APEC Chairmanship, during which we also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the formation of APEC. When it was born in 1989, trade barriers were high. Political and ideological barriers were even higher. Besides the economic integration of the region, we wanted to make sure that no line was drawn down the middle of the Asia Pacific. At that time, trans-Pacific trade was already growing at a faster pace than trans-Atlantic trade. Now, more so than ever, trans-Pacific trade looks set to grow even more, with some likening the Asia Pacific region to the Mediterranean. The APEC Leaders' Week culminated with the two-day Leaders' Retreat, chaired by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, centred around the theme of "Sustaining Growth, Connecting the Region". The series of APEC meetings took place at a critical juncture for the global economy and the region. Accelerated by the economic crisis, the global landscape is changing. With the rise of Asia, in particular China and India, the world has become multi-polar but the US will remain the dominant pole for a long time to come. Against this backdrop, APEC Leaders were united in their support of actions to promote global economic recovery, and create conditions for strong, stable and sustainable growth. The overall mood was positive and upbeat, with broad agreement on the fundamentals. There was a full turnout of APEC Leaders, which underscored the importance that they placed on APEC. The involvement of the business community is an integral part of the Leaders’ Meeting. Activities involving the business community have grown through the Annual CEO Summit which provides an occasion for Leaders to interact with business leaders.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I have your permission to take the first two questions together, please?”
“But we all recognise that this is not a static situation and that attitudes and policies towards human rights in ASEAN will continue to develop. The ASEAN human rights body will accordingly continue to evolve. The TOR for the ASEAN human rights body cannot, and is not intended to, exhaustively determine every single detail of ASEAN's approach to human rights in advance. Over time, the body will have to build up its own practices and positions in a way analogous to case law. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the ASEAN human rights body will depend, not just on the TOR but on our evolution as an ASEAN Community and our growing sense of a common destiny. We hope that year by year, as we become an ever closer community, the layers and best practices that we accumulate and hold in common as ASEAN will grow. The role and stature of the ASEAN human rights body will grow in tandem with this process. CLOSURE OF PUBLIC SPORTS FACILITIES (Update) 28. Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) if he will outline the guiding principles on the closure of public sports facilities and specifically, how many of such facilities have remained closed for over five years; and (b) what are the future plans for these facilities.”
“The initial positions among ASEAN Member States were so polarised that some of us then did not dare to believe that Article 14 of the ASEAN Charter on the establishment of an ASEAN human rights body was possible. That we are today agreed that ASEAN should create such a body is thus a major step forward. So even if the HLP is unable to move the TOR forward from where we were in February, we are already better off than before. Still, I hope the HLP will be able to improve the TOR. We will certainly try. But we should not forget that this is a very delicate negotiation where every word and every comma has been and will continue to be carefully scrutinized and debated before being agreed. The final document will be a political compromise. So it will not be a perfect document, but a document that reflects the current state of consensus on human rights in ASEAN at a particular time. But the TOR we adopt in July will not be the end of the story. We will continue to take the process forward, one step at a time. If we tried to agree on everything at the outset, we would have never even started; if one party or another tries too vigorously to shape the TOR in one direction or another, the whole process may well be derailed. We must approach this negotiation in the spirit of the physician’s motto: "First of all, do no harm". Therefore in dealing with this issue, ASEAN has adopted what we have called "an evolutionary approach". At each point we will have to agree on what will be the next step, without specifying what will be our final destination for this body. The pace will not always please all observers; it may not even please all ASEAN Member States.”
“I thank Mr Siew Kum Hong for his interest in the ASEAN human rights body. This is an important subject. Let me emphasise that Singapore is firmly committed to the establishment of an ASEAN human rights body. The High Level Panel (HLP) that is drafting the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the proposed ASEAN human rights body has completed a first draft of the TOR. This was presented to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers for comments at the sidelines of the 14th ASEAN Summit in Cha-Am, Thailand, on 27th February 2009. The final Terms of Reference is expected to be endorsed by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers at the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in July 2009. At Cha-Am, the Foreign Ministers also agreed that the ASEAN human rights body should be launched by the ASEAN Leaders at the 15th ASEAN Summit in Thailand in October 2009. To meet the deadline, the HLP will now have to reconcile and incorporate the Ministers’ comments into the TOR. This will not be straightforward as the comments by the Foreign Ministers reflected the diversity of ASEAN. This diversity is a political reality that cannot be wished away. Some ASEAN Member States preferred a body which is less intrusive because they believe that Western countries and NGOs might manipulate it to interfere in their domestic politics. Others made the opposite argument, that a robust and credible human rights body will help us address this issue on our own terms. I do not want to prejudge the HLP’s work. But I am not pessimistic. Only a few years ago no one could have imagined that today ASEAN would be seriously considering establishing a human rights body.”
“MTI will be briefing businesses about the opportunities which will flow from this FTA. We are seeing a greater flow of Middle Eastern funds into Singapore. As Members know, Islamic finance is growing nicely. Singapore is a strong jurisdiction and in times of crisis, there is always a flight to strength and we should exploit this opportunity. Under the FTA, there is also recognition of MUI's halal certification, and we see here a new opportunity for many of our food exporters. In fact, I have been asked to officiate at the launch of a seminar precisely on halal exports to the Middle East in a few weeks' time. And there are many opportunities. Our businesses are now all over the Middle East. They are well regarded. We are considered a brand name. We must continue to protect our reputation, establish a good track record, and I believe many benefits will accrue to our businesses and to Singaporean individuals in the coming years in different countries in the Middle East.”
“We must continue to nurture good relations with all our neighbours and with all the major powers, and I thank Members of this House for their full and consistent support. Mr Zainudin Nordin: Sir, point of clarification. Would the Minister be able to elaborate the benefits from the GCC-Singapore FTA? Are there many Singaporean companies which would benefit from that and what kind of anticipation that we are expecting from the growth of businesses between Singapore and the Middle East countries?”
“Together with MTI, we will build up our stock of Arabic speakers and send more officers to the countries which offer us the most opportunities. With the developed countries in recession, we will give particular emphasis to new opportunities in the Middle East, in addition to China and India. These will be our areas of concentration. I shared Dr Maliki's abhorrence at the unending cycle of violence in Palestine, in particular recently in Gaza. When Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan stormed out from the panel in Davos last week, he expressed the anger which many people feel about the lives lost in Gaza when the Israeli Army moved in to stop the firing of rockets by Hamas into Israeli towns and villages. Singapore has good relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. While we understand the legitimate right of Israel to self-defence and understand the fear they face when rockets could suddenly explode in their midst in the middle of the night, we were however dismayed by the disproportionate response. We hope the present ceasefire will hold. We support a two-state solution with the Palestinians having their own sovereign state on the West Bank and in Gaza. This can only happen if Hamas is prepared to work with Fatah and accepts the PLO's (Palestine Liberation Organisation's) commitment to renounce violence and recognise Israel. And Singapore has stated this position repeatedly at the UN and in various media releases. With the world in disarray, Mr Chairman, MFA expects this to be a busy year. The international configuration is changing dramatically. We have to be alert to changes that could affect our well-being, avoiding dangers and seizing opportunities.”
“As Members would have noticed in media reports, the flurry of high-level bilateral visits between Singapore and the Middle East continues unabated, and President Nathan will soon be visiting the Middle East again. It is an important new frontier for us. Despite a drop in the price of oil and the collapse of real estate bubbles, the region will stay wealthy because the cost of producing oil and gas is very low. I remember one Kuwaiti Minister telling me that it only costs US$1-US$2 to extract a barrel of oil in Kuwait; no need to pump because the oil is already under pressure and will gush out on its own. Particularly in these difficult times, we must explore new openings in the Middle East. Many countries there want closer cooperation with us, seeing lessons they can draw from Singapore's developmental experience. They also appreciate our integrity and our forthrightness. The appointment of Prof. Shih Choon Fong, former President of NUS, as the President of the new King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is a compliment not just to him but to the Singapore education system. When the new Libyan Ambassador called on me recently, he expressed a strong hope that our bilateral relations will flourish. The signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Singapore and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in December last year, which is the first to be signed by the GCC with any country or region, benefits both sides. We have to continue building up our knowledge and expertise on the Middle East. Mr Zainudin talked about the Middle East Institute which is gradually building up layers of expertise. It will take time as this is a long-term undertaking, but it is making good progress.”
“Ms Indranee Rajah also asked about our relations with Japan and India. Mr Hawazi Daipi asked about our relations with India. Our relations with Japan and India are very good. As maritime nations, Japan and Singapore share common interests in many strategic areas. We appreciate Japan's positive contributions to the economic development of Singapore and Southeast Asia. We support the inclusion of Japan and India as permanent members of the UN Security Council. This year, President and Mrs Nathan will be making a state visit to Japan following the successful visit of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to Singapore in 2006. These visits symbolise the close relationship between our two countries. With India, our relations continue to grow in a multi-faceted way – political, economic, defence and cultural. Like China, India will continue to grow at a good clip during this economic downturn. At Davos, Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath expected India's GDP to continue growing at 7% to 7.5% this year. Like for China, we will work hard to open up new opportunities for our businesses in India both at the centre and in the states, capitalising on our position as one of India's major investors. We also want a strong reflection of India in Singapore. Over 3,600 Indian companies now operate out of Singapore. Last year, the first overseas meeting in the region of Non-Resident Indians, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, was successfully held here strengthening our links to the worldwide ethnic Indian network. Mr Zainudin wanted an update about the state of our relations with countries in the Middle East.”
“During this economic downturn, China's economy will continue to grow. Last week in Davos, Premier Wen Jiabao reported that China would strive to achieve 8% GDP growth this year. MFA will work with MTI and the various economic agencies to open up more business opportunities for Singapore businesses in China in the coming months and years. Mr Ang Mong Seng asked about the state of cross-strait relations and Singapore's relationship with both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Under President Ma Ying-jeou, cross-strait relations have improved considerably. "San Tong" (三通) benefits not only Mainland Chinese and Taiwanese but everyone else in the region. I was in Xiamen last month and could feel the sense of optimism about the future. Within Singapore's "One China" policy, we maintain good unofficial relations with Taiwan. We will benefit from the new situation and will try to make a positive contribution to cross-strait relations. 12.45 pm 2011 marks the Centennial of "Xinhai Geming" （辛亥革命）, the great Republican revolution which transformed Chinese society worldwide. Singaporeans played a significant role in that revolution and subsequently paid a heavy political price for it when the Japanese came. The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry will organise a big celebration at "Wan Qing Yuan " (晚晴园), a monument revered by Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. In 2011, at about the same time, Singapore will also be hosting the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention. The Convention was initiated by Singapore's Chinese business leaders and launched by then-Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew in 1991. We are delighted to play host again in Singapore after 20 years.”
“Without the US staying deeply embedded in East and Southeast Asia, the region can be destabilised, affecting prospects for peace and development. And as for the dangers of the US turning protectionist, this will be an ongoing struggle within the US body politic itself. We read recently how, in passing the stimulus bill in the House of Representatives, a clause was added to buy American steel first. But because countries protested and the White House stated its position, when the same bill went to the Senate, the Senate said that it would be subjected to all international agreements being observed. That is a good sign, but we expect this to be a continuing fight in US domestic politics because of rising unemployment. Ms Indranee Rajah, Mr Hawazi Daipi and Mr Ang Mong Seng asked for an update of our relations with China. China will become increasingly important to our well-being in Singapore as its economy and influence grow. In December last year, we commemorated the 30th Anniversary of Deng Xiaoping's visit to Singapore around the time he launched China on its new path of reform and opening up, a decision which was historically decisive for China and the world. Over the years, we have built up our links with China and our China account is now considerable. A few months ago, we concluded our FTA with China, which complements ASEAN's FTA with China. And later this year, both sides will be celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park, which has become one of the most successful parks in China. That project deepened mutual understanding, created trust and facilitated cooperation across a wide range between the two sides. The new Tianjin Eco-City Project will take our bilateral relationship to a new plane.”
“We do know and we have been in contact with a number of the key officials in charge of East and Southeast Asian policy in the new Administration. Singapore's FTA with the US continues to be a model for other countries and has helped us attract investments into Singapore and create jobs. Our Strategic Framework Agreement with the US also enhances the security of the region. As for US relations with ASEAN, we might well see an improvement under President Obama. Because, as Mr Palmer said, he lived for four years in Indonesia as a young boy, President Obama has a feel for the region which goes beyond what is contained in briefing documents. You know, when Ambassador Chan Heng Chee greeted President Obama at a social function in Washington DC last week, he replied in Bahasa Indonesia to Ambassador Chan's surprise and she had to quickly search her mind for Malay words in response. When Prime Minister Lee met then-Senator Obama in May 2007, he fondly recalled following his mother to Singapore for occasional shopping trips from Indonesia. We look forward to welcoming Secretary Hillary Clinton to our ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok in the middle of the year and President Obama for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November. At her confirmation hearing in the Senate, Secretary Clinton laid out a position on ASEAN which we are very comfortable with. While we position ourselves for an increasingly multi-polar reality in the world, the fact is the US will remain the pre-eminent pole for a long time. Without the US in the lead, multi-polarity can be unstable and even dangerous. Without the US driving the G-20 process, the reform of global institutions cannot be accomplished.”
“In trade matters, like riding a bicycle, there is always a danger of falling off when you are not moving forward. An important item for APEC is the proposal to establish as a long-term goal – a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. In fact, this is the only way to operationalise the Bogor Vision of the Asia-Pacific becoming a region for the free flow of trade and investment by 2020. The Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership, which is a proposed FTA of a number of APEC economies, will help us get there. The US, Australia and Peru will be negotiating membership with the present members, which are Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. Vietnam has expressed interest too. When the 21 leaders meet in Singapore this November, we can be sure that their preoccupation will be the global economic crisis because all economies are seriously affected by it and by the end of the year, that crisis will bite hard in every economy. If we host the meeting well, both in substance and in form, Singapore's international reputation will be enhanced, and this will be good for our economy – precisely the point Ms Irene Ng made. Both Ms Indranee Rajah and Mr Michael Palmer asked whether a new Administration in the US will mean a change in our relations and ASEAN's relations with the US. Singapore's relations with the US are excellent and should remain so under the Obama Administration. Whatever others might say of the previous Administration, from our perspective, US policy on East and Southeast Asia under President George W Bush was constructive and good for the region. We expect stability of the core positions under President Obama.”
“This will be a major event because the leaders of 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific will be attending, including new leaders like President Barack Obama of the US and President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia. The world's media spotlight will be on Singapore that week. It is important that we host the meeting well. At the last APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru, it was heartwarming the way ordinary people joyously greeted visiting delegations, waving from motorcars and sidewalks. And as Ms Irene Ng said, we should try to do the same in Singapore so that the meeting in Singapore becomes a memorable experience for all those who come. In addition to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, we expect some leaders like China's President Hu Jintao to make bilateral visits to Singapore just before or after. We will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of APEC in Singapore. I remember vividly the first meeting in Canberra 20 years ago. That same week, the Berlin Wall fell. Many of us had a sense that one chapter in history was being closed and a new chapter was being opened. By happy chance, at the same time as we hold APEC this year, a 16-foot stretch of the Berlin Wall will be unveiled at Bedok Reservoir near Temasek Polytechnic on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the wall in Berlin on 9th November, and we will have a big party. As Chair of APEC, Singapore has the responsibility to push forward the APEC agenda, particularly promoting economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and resisting protectionism. With the sharp economic downturn, protectionist sentiments will rise in many countries. As we all know, the chance of the Doha negotiations being concluded in the near future is small.”
“Our MPs should get to know their DPR counterparts better and develop personal relationships. Indonesia has a lively media which we must be ready to engage. Indonesia has also devolved much power to the provinces and kabupatens (regencies) and it behooves us to build stronger links to the provinces and kabupatens that are closer to Singapore. We should also pay attention to people-to-people links including exchanges among scholars, students and artists. Whatever the outcome of the elections in Indonesia in the coming months, the relations between Indonesia and Singapore will remain strong because both sides need it. As for our relations with Thailand, they are back to normal. We have to deal with whoever is in authority. We do not know how long the political uncertainty will continue. But whatever the domestic political situation in Thailand, we have to rise above it and keep formal bilateral relations on an even keel because that is in the best interest of both countries. All of us know that there is considerable mutual affection between Thais and Singaporeans. Many of us know Prime Minister Abhisit personally. Singaporeans visit Thailand by the hundreds of thousands every year. We were very touched last year when Princess Ubolratana chose Singapore to screen the international premiere of her movie "Where the Miracle Happens". Princess Sirindhorn visits Singapore regularly in connection with her work on technology for the handicapped and on philanthropy. Ms Indranee Rajah and Ms Irene Ng asked about our hosting of APEC in November this year and how Singaporeans can benefit from it.”
“When Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met Malaysia Deputy Prime Minister Najib in Lima last November, he expressed the hope that bilateral relations could be raised to an even higher level. Deputy Prime Minister Najib responded positively and PM Lee suggested the development of an iconic project in Iskandar Malaysia to express this common aspiration. Our relations with Indonesia are also very good. Apart from the ET/DCA (Extradition Treaty/Defence Cooperation Agreement) issue which both sides agreed to set aside for the time being, Indonesia and Singapore cooperate closely on a wide range of issues. Just last month, President Yudhoyono inaugurated the Batam/Bintan/Karimun Free Trade Zone drawing the two countries closer together. To facilitate to-ing and fro-ing, Singapore will establish a Consulate in Batam this year. Relations between the TNI and the SAF are excellent with regular joint exercises conducted by all three services. We are completely on the same side in our fight against terrorism. We work together on fighting bird flu in Tangerang in West Java and fighting forest fires in Jambi. On ASEAN and the regional architecture, Indonesia and Singapore share almost identical positions. And recently, after six rounds of negotiations, both sides agreed on the delineation of our sea border in the western part of the Singapore Strait. Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda and I will be signing the agreement within a few weeks. This agreement would have to be ratified by the Indonesian DPR (House of Representatives). We must continue broadening and deepening our relations with Indonesia in the coming years. In contrast to the Soeharto era, Indonesia's power structure has become much more complex. In Jakarta, we need better links to the legislative branch of the government.”