Vivian Balakrishnan
Singapore
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not issue advisories on wait times at overseas airports. Travellers may wish to monitor airline and airport websites, as well as news reports for real-time information on wait times and potential disruptions at specific airports.”
“When the conflict in the Middle East deteriorated and commercial flights were halted in March 2026, the Singapore Government mounted four repatriation flights from Muscat, Riyadh and Jeddah to bring stranded Singaporeans home.”
“The Government has stepped up public engagement to explain our foreign policy fundamentals and responses to key international developments to Singaporeans and to hear their views. We do this through dialogue sessions across segments of society, including students, youths, businesses and community leaders.”
“And the larger point during the Committee of Supply was that precisely, because the world is in such a difficult, prickly, volatile and dangerous state, actually, if we keep our wits about ourselves, we maintain unity and we continue to have this clear eye-realistic, but principled, approach, there are many opportunities for Singapore.”
“Well, in short, I completely agree with you. And that is why we have indeed been hosting these events and in your own capacity as a national athlete and also as an official now, you have seen how it works in practice.”
“Since 2022, about half of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) employees are women. The proportion of women in senior appointments has remained stable at about a quarter. We recognise that overseas postings are disruptive for officers with families, especially female officers who bear greater caregiving responsibilities.”
The complete record
Every one of 2,437 lines we hold for Vivian Balakrishnan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 49.
“There is no impact. The United Nations (UN) has used the designation "State of Palestine" in official UN documents and on Palestine's nameplate at UN meetings since 2012, following the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 67/19, which accorded Palestine non-member observer State status. As I stated in Parliament on 2 July 2024, Singapore is prepared, in-principle, to recognise the State of Palestine and will make this move at the appropriate time. [Please refer to "Singapore's Stance on Proposal for UN Membership for Palestine and Assistance for Rebuilding of Palestine", Official Report, 2 July 2024, Vol 95, Issue 137, Oral Answers to Questions section.] The key consideration is that such a move should help progress towards peace and a negotiated two-state solution. In particular, there will need to be an effective Palestinian Government that accepts Israel's right to exist and categorically rejects terrorism.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not received requests for assistance from Singaporeans. The Australian government has indicated that international students who have already started their courses will not be affected by the proposed caps.”
“So, I have given a long, extended answer, but I hope Members understand that the posture and the avenues that we have pursued for decades are still fundamentally sound and in fact, all the more relevant, given the current global environment. I thank the Member for his question.”
“And I would say, we make common cause in concentric circles. The most important immediate construct is ASEAN. We are all in Southeast Asia. We all have a common economic agenda. Even at a time when the world is turning negative on trade, in ASEAN, we still believe in lowering barriers, promoting economic integration, facilitating more investments in our infrastructure and preparing us for a digital age when we also need to be sustainable and green. So, ASEAN remains that innermost concentric circle. Beyond that, it is the dialogue partners of ASEAN. For instance, if you look at the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which again, creates a zone of greater economic integration with China, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand and us. Separately, we are also building our ties and our economic ties with another rising middle power called India. And you would also notice that the Prime Minister and indeed, all Members of Cabinet have had very extensive travel itinerary. This week, the Prime Minister will be first, in Peru for APEC, then he will go across to Brazil for the G20. And in all these fora, we try to find like-minded partners depending on the issue concerned. Finally, at the UN, we are the convenors of this forum called the "Forum of Small States", which in fact, is the majority of the membership of the UN. And for other small states, they find Singapore to be a dependable, reliable resource. I do not mean a resource just financially, but a resource of thought, leadership, sharing, capability development, human capacity development, teaching a man to catch fish rather than just giving him a fish.”
“I would also say that in order for us to take this position of not taking sides and upholding principles, we need domestic cohesion and consensus, including in this House. Because if foreign powers believe that they can erode our resolve by dividing us, they will. There is no doubt about that. And all the more so, because in fact, all the major civilisations and religions are represented here. So, I am making the point that there needs to be domestic consensus and our domestic politics must stop at the water's edge, that we have been able to do so for 59 years, and the point I am making is that we must continue to do so. The Member is quite right that as far as global norms are concerned, security is concerned, there is no global policeman. If we were ever to get into a security or military conflict, no one is going to rescue us. We will be on our own. And do not ever believe for a moment in foreign affairs that friendship is a shield, that friendship makes you immune to threats. That is why we continue to have National Service. That is why we continue to spend a significant proportion of our budget on defence. And that is why in a paradoxical way we have no enemies, but we have lots of friends. Because people know that our relationship is not one of dependency, is not one of sycophancy, is not one of acting on other people's behalf. We pay for what we need, we defend our interests and we are united in doing so. Given that we are getting into a more volatile, complicated and threatening world, this ability to stand on our two feet, united as one people, and with sufficient reserves and the wherewithal, both fiscal and strategic, is all the more crucial. Finally, the Member asked what are the like-minded countries?”
“Mr Giam has asked how sustainable is this posture that we have always adopted of not taking sides but upholding principles. I would submit that in fact, this is the most sensible position for Singapore, a multiracial, multi-religious, multilingual city-state and an island in the heart of Southeast Asia, in which all the superpowers, and indeed, middle powers, have a stake. And because of our geography, because of our economic role, we do best when we can engage everyone; not by aiming to take sides or be a vassal state or be a proxy state, which in fact, I think it will be a recipe for disaster and invite the recreation of Southeast Asia as an arena for proxy wars. So, I will make the point that our current posture is the correct one, is the essential one, given our national circumstances, our geography, our economic and strategic role. And let me also say with the benefit of some experience that because all the superpowers and regional and middle powers know that Singapore does not aim to take sides, Singapore is always looking for relevance and being constructive, Singapore always calculates things rationally with a long-term horizon and is always an advocate for international law, they also know that therefore, sometimes we will disagree. And when we disagree, it is not because I am taking the side of your opponent or your rival, but we disagree because that contravenes a principle that Singapore holds dear. And I would say, from my experience, that adopting this posture, in fact, has led to less pressure on us because people know simply hectoring us, pressurising us is not likely to bear fruit, and in fact, it is more likely to make us dig in and hold the line.”
“In particular, we want ASEAN to continue to play a central convening role and for our region to have the centre of gravity which brings all the key players together to find common ground and to harness ASEAN's full economic potential. The East Asia Summit, for example, allowed ASEAN to play this role for the last two decades and is, in fact, the only platform driven by ASEAN, which brings all the key players in our region together; even when these key players do not necessarily get along. Singapore has thus been a strong advocate for strengthening collaboration within the East Asia Summit under the framework of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. And Singapore will continue to be a credible, reliable and predictable partner to all and we will always act in our long-term national interests.”
“In a more volatile world that is increasingly inimical to the security and survival of small states, like Singapore, we must try to shape global norms by making common cause with as many friends and partners as possible, in order to support multilateralism, the rule of law and, of course, the United Nations (UN) Charter. Singapore does not take sides; but we will uphold principles, even if this means, from time to time, having to say "no" to other states, some of which can be our close partners or even superpowers. This long-standing, consistent and principled approach to foreign policy has served us well and has afforded us the strategic manoeuvring space. In line with these principles, we have joined, and in fact, played a facilitative role in groupings, such as APEC, IPEF and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership. These diverse groupings have allowed us to expand our economic space and to create more opportunities for Singaporeans. Singapore is not presently a member of groupings like the Quad or AUKUS or BRICS, but actually, we share excellent ties with the individual members in all these groupings. Many of their members also attend the various ASEAN and international fora where we engage one another and work closely on a wide range of issues. What is important for Singapore is that these new emerging arrangements, especially where they intersect with our region, do not undermine ASEAN centrality, and that these arrangements support an open and inclusive regional architecture and promote a rules-based order based on international law.”
“Mr Speaker, the creation and expansion of the various multilateral groupings, including those driven by the major powers, are not actually a new phenomenon in our region. Groupings, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and Five Power Defence Arrangements – each of these has a different and overlapping configuration of members. And in fact, these have been around for many years, decades. More recently, we have also seen the emergence of the Quad, AUKUS and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and of course, even more recently, the expansion of BRICS. These recent developments, in fact, are part of a response to a transition from a unipolar world to a multipolar world. Consequently, countries are hedging through these different configurations, amidst a more divided and uncertain global environment. We will keep an open mind on these new constructs and we will continue to watch developments closely, insofar as the impact on Singapore. Ultimately, our decision on whether or not to join a specific grouping must be carefully considered and must be clearly defined by our national interests. We must be guided by the fundamental objectives of Singapore's foreign policy – and it is worth reiterating what these are. First, to protect our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Second, to secure access to essential supplies – food, water, energy – and to keep air and sea lines of communication open for this purpose. Third, to expand economic opportunities for Singaporeans and Singapore companies in order to maintain our relevance to the world and to make a living.”
“We also have concerns over the resolution’s call for measures that have not been negotiated between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Other countries, including Japan and South Korea, have placed on record similar concerns. Let me now address Mr Leong’s queries. First, on banning imported products from Israeli settlements, we do not have any record of Singapore having imported such products. Second, on the question of arms sales, Singapore complies strictly with our international obligations on international arms sales, as well as UN sanctions and embargoes against any country, including submitting regular reports to the UN Register of Conventional Arms. Apart from this, it is the established policy of the Government not to publicly divulge details of defence sales for national security reasons. Third, on the sanctioning of individuals and entities, Singapore has and will consistently comply with all UNSC sanctions as part of our international legal obligations. While some countries have imposed sanctions on certain Israeli settler leaders and entities, it is far from clear that such measures have had meaningful impact on the ground. This is not how Singapore should conduct foreign policy and we must weigh all considerations carefully. Any decision to impose unilateral sanctions must be considered carefully and based on our national interests.”
“Singapore’s vote in favour of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/ES-10/L.31 reflects our respect for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is the principal judicial organ of the UN. Singapore has long held a consistent view that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. I have restated this view on several past occasions in this House, most recently on 7 August 2024. The presence of Israeli settlements in the West Bank will make it much harder to arrive at a viable two-state solution. Settler violence against Palestinians cannot be condoned. Singapore’s vote for the UNGA resolution also reflects our longstanding support for the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland and for a negotiated two-state solution consistent with relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be resolved through direct negotiations between both sides for a comprehensive, just and durable solution. Both sides must find the resolve to remove obstacles to peace and work towards a negotiated two-state solution. Our "yes" vote, however, does not mean that we agree with the entirety of the resolution. Singapore has serious reservations about the use of the Court’s advisory jurisdiction to bypass the need for states’ consent in submitting what are essentially political disputes between two parties for adjudication. Singapore has also placed on record our serious reservations on aspects of the resolution, particularly its overreaching scope of the modalities and potential actions prescribed by the resolution for member states. They include measures that go beyond not just the ICJ Advisory Opinion but also our current obligations under international law.”
“As of 15 October 2024, there are 45 and three Singaporeans registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Israel and Lebanon, respectively. MFA is in touch with them and have been providing advice on the latest developments in the respective countries and the region. The safety and well-being of Singaporeans overseas are of utmost importance to MFA. We are monitoring the developments in the Middle East closely and will continue to update our Travel Advisories. Our Overseas Missions remain in touch with Singaporean communities in the region and stand ready to provide consular assistance. MFA has been working closely with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and its Student Liaison Officers in Cairo and Jeddah to maintain contact with Singapore students pursuing religious studies in the region. This enables us to reach out and provide consular assistance to them quickly in an emergency. Singaporeans in the Middle East should remain vigilant and monitor developments closely. They should heed the Travel Advisories and avoid or leave the conflict areas as advised. They should also take all necessary precautions for their personal safety, purchase comprehensive travel insurance and eRegister with MFA. As Singapore does not have resident diplomatic missions in all countries in the region, Singaporeans should familiarise themselves with the locations of the nearest Singapore Missions.”
“The safety and well-being of Singaporeans overseas are of utmost importance to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). We are monitoring the volatile situation in the Middle East closely. Our Overseas Missions in the Middle East will continue to be in touch with Singaporean communities in the region and stand ready to provide consular assistance. MFA has been working closely with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and its Student Liaison Officers in Cairo and Jeddah to maintain contact with Singapore students pursuing religious studies in the region. This enables us to reach out and provide consular assistance to them quickly in an emergency.”
“Even as we asserted the right of self-defence, we also told the Israelis – and some Members of Parliament were with me when we went to both the Arab countries and to Israel – we said that your military response has gone too far and we need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and we need the safe and immediate, and unconditional release of all hostages. And those of you who accompanied me will know that I said the same thing in Jerusalem, in Ramallah, in Doha, in Cairo, in Abu Dhabi. We do need to recognise that there may be different interpretations of the origins of these conflicts or even the desired end-state. But the point for Singapore is do not let that divide and erode our social harmony and cohesion. Looking ahead, this House needs to be psychologically prepared that there was going to be more foreign policy issues in future which are sensitive, which are prickly and controversial and to recognise that Singaporeans will have different opinions. We need to find consensus, we need find a middle ground and, as the Member said, we need to be able to express that credibly on the global stage. So, I want to thank the Member again. His key points: foreign policy begins at home, that we need to be consistent overseas and that Singapore, with all our uniqueness, our diversity and our smallness, we can play an outsized role to make this world a little bit safer as we navigate the perilous storms in the next few years ahead. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn." (proc text)] Adjourned accordingly at 8.20 pm.”
“But we also have to arrive at a common position because Singapore, being diverse and vulnerable, will always be exposed to foreign influence and way before hostility begins, influence operations to divide us, to create uncertainty, to erode our resolve would be conducted against us. The challenge that we have is we need to engage, we need to explain, we need to persuade, we need to mobilise and every Singaporean has to know why we take certain positions in the world. And we need every Singaporean, wherever you live, work, study or travel, to also be our representatives – so, in a sense, we are all ambassadors now. I have already said that we are at risk of external forces dividing us and just look at the recent examples in the last couple of years. For instance, we had to take a categorical position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was a clear violation of the UN Charter and if the world accepts that a large neighbour, citing historical errors and crazy decisions, can intervene militarily in the affairs of a smaller neighbour, that is a world which is very dangerous for Singapore. More recently, the appalling human tragedy of the Israel-Hamas conflict has elicited the shock, horror and anger in all of us. We had to take a categorical stand against acts of terror which were committed on 7 October because if someone launched a thousand missiles in Bukit Panjang, an insurgent force in Woodlands and took 240 Singaporean hostage, you know we would have to respond.”
“I completely agree with you and that we need to speak up whenever and wherever there are transgressions of international law. And this is precisely what we do. We do not take sides. We uphold principles. And we do so consistently, even if that means, from time to time, having to say no to a superpower or to say no to a long-standing friend. Our consistent application of these principles has allowed us to maintain credibility with major and the middle powers and our neighbours. Or put it another way, I say exactly the same thing in Beijing where I just came back from as I say in Washington, as I say in New Delhi or in Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta. Actually, everybody knows our positions. They know that it is based on a realistic assessment of Singapore's long-term strategic interests and our long-held principles and values. They know that we are not acting on behalf of their rivals and they also know that Singapore cannot be bullied or bought. Actually, that makes my job easier because I can say the same thing everywhere and it does not have to be exactly identical to the positions taken by superpowers. But the most important point you have made is that foreign policy begins at home and I completely agree with you. Domestic unity, cohesion and consensus are essentially because without that, we cannot conduct effective foreign policy. And I agree with you we do need to do far wider engagement of Singaporeans. We cannot treat foreign policy as something esoteric and elite. It is an exercise which every citizen, first, has a right to gain access to and understanding, and to participate in the discussion in the public space.”
“But we can try to maximise the space we have to manoeuvre among the big trees". Our national interests and our vulnerabilities have remained unchanged all these decades. We are still a tiny, low-lying city-state in the middle of Southeast Asia. We are sea-locked. The territorial seas of our neighbours enclose us completely. Our absence or our lack of a hinterland also remains an existential fact. And that means Singapore needs to remain open as an existential need. We cannot insulate our people. We cannot build walls. History is not kind to small states. Or to put it more starkly, actually, nobody would care if Singapore disappeared under the waves overnight. There are many other countries and ports that are queuing up to replace the functions that we currently perform. To survive, Singapore has to be exceptional. We have to be more smart, more nimble, more organised, more reliable, more honest than anybody else. Consequently, Singapore's foreign policy has several fundamental objectives to fulfil. First, to protect our Independence, our sovereignty and our territorial integrity. Second, to secure access to essential supplies – water, energy, food – in fact, almost everything we consume; and to keep the air and sea lanes of communication open. Third, to expand economic opportunities for Singaporeans and to maintain our relevance to the world. And as a small state, I agree with you, we need to advocate for rules-based order with full respect for international law because without that, the risks for small states are exponentially high. We try our best to shape global norms by making common cause with as many partners as possible on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. Dr Syed Harun has advised us to double-down on our values and principles.”
“Mr Speaker, I think we have all just heard a brilliant, incisive, clear and erudite speech. On behalf of all my colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), I want to thank Dr Syed Harun for his contribution. Actually, I agree completely with you and the thought did go through my mind that maybe I could just sit down and say it. But it is such a good speech. It deserves a response. The analogy you started off with was that Singapore is a yacht in a sea. Actually, think of a sampan in a typhoon. The world has certainly become far more dangerous and far more inimical to small states. There are tragic wars going on in Ukraine and in the Middle East with horrendous civilian casualties and there is an elevated risk of a wider conflagration. We are also witnessing deepening fractures in the global economy, ostensibly in the name of resilience and national security, but really due to a more fundamental lack of strategic trust between the superpowers. We also see the continued erosion of global norms and global governance as the world makes this transition from a unipolar moment to a multipolar world. And this has resulted in clearly, visibly inadequate responses to dealing with global challenges like climate change, pandemics and the challenges and risks of the digital revolution, the biotechnology revolution and the need for an energy transformation. Domestically, all over the world, we have seen the rise of xenophobia, hyper-nationalism, extremism and a bitter polarisation of domestic politics. This, as you have said, is accelerated by misinformation and the social media echo chambers. This is in all countries. Mr Lee Kuan Yew reminded us, "Singapore has to take the world as it is. It is too small to change it.”
“This question has been addressed in my reply to Member of Parliament Christopher de Souza on 7 August 2024. [Please refer to "Impact of Escalating Tensions and Intensified Fighting in Middle East on Singapore", Official Report, 7 August 2024, Vol 95, Issue 139, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
“[Please refer to "Impact of Escalating Tensions and Intensified Fighting in Middle East on Singapore", Official Report, 7 August 2024, Vol 95, Issue 139, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
“As announced on 22 July 2024, Singapore is working with Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates to deliver a fourth tranche of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This will comprise of approximately 300 metric tonnes of canned sardines and 1000 metric tonnes of white rice. In addition, Singapore is contributing, to-date, over $17 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza. This includes the $8.1 million raised by the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF) for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the $2 million that RLAF raised for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Singapore's capacity-building assistance to the Palestinian Authority has continued apace. For instance, 15 Palestinian officials from the Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology were in Singapore for training in June 2024 under the Enhanced Technical Assistance Package (ETAP). The study visit was a follow-up to my meeting with the Palestinian Authority's Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa in Ramallah in March 2024, where he asked for Singapore's assistance in digitalisation and civil service training. Three Palestinian officials have also been awarded scholarships at our universities this year to study accountancy, international political economy and info-communications security. We will press on with efforts to help equip the Palestinian Authority officials with the know-how to develop their capabilities. The Parliamentary Question by Member of Parliament Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin has been addressed in my reply to Member of Parliament Mr Christopher de Souza on 7 August 2024.”
“Singapore submits regular reports to the UN Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA). Our 2020 and 2021 reports were submitted to UNROCA in February 2023. Our reports covering 2022 and 2023 are being finalised and will be submitted to UNROCA in September 2024.”
“And you will recall the conversation which I had with some senior people to say, "Well, if you want a one-state solution, your delegation must look like mine: multi-religious, multiracial and completely united, even across political boundaries". But I think you would have also got a sense from that trip that is very far removed from the reality in the Middle East, at least for now. So, again, I think this spirit of humility and consistency and upholding what is right, whilst maintaining the unity amidst our great diversity – I think that alone, is our contribution to show the world that it is possible to live in peace with your neighbour, with your brother.”
“Mr Gerald Giam accompanied me on my trip in March. So, you will know that, yes, we do have access and yes, they do listen politely to us, because we have got long-standing relations and they know we do not grandstand and we do not engage in point-seeking and we are not engaged in a publicity exercise. But I think you would also agree, from your trip with me, that there is a very, very limited role for us. It is not a question of a venue for meeting or even offering good advice. They are not short of advice and they are not actually short of venues to meet or avenues of communication. But until the top leaders in the two warring tribes can arrive at a conclusion that violence is not the answer and that concessions are essential, and that these two related people have to learn to live with each other. Both peoples occupying contested land are not going to leave and they will be a reality for each other till the end of time. It is that realisation and that change in spirit and perspective that will be necessary. So, I think as far as Singapore is concerned, we stay united, we help where we can, we uphold principles and we insist on adherence to international law on all sides. I think our excess is also because they know we are fair-minded people and that we are prepared to help wherever we can help. But let us not overstep ourselves or assume that we have got a greater role than we can actually play. At the end, this is one little red dot, a shiny red dot, but we are still far away and many steps removed from them. I would also remind you when we went and there were discussions about one state and two states.”
“And it is possible, and I hope in the fullness of time, it will be shown that Singapore is a mature, cohesive society that can deal with diversity and still rise up to the occasions, uphold principles, not take sides, be helpful, express the best part of our humanity and our compassion whilst understanding that life is complicated, especially in many other places. I think if we can approach this with this spirit of humility and realism, we can be a useful exemplar to other parts of the world where these fault lines have not only cracked, but have led to enormous loss of life and, especially, innocent lives of civilians. I think on that note, we are all completely united.”
“I think we should never trivialise the tragedy that is unfolding there. Maybe for the Member's edification, let me remind you of a speech which Senior Minister Lee made in November last year. It is worth reading just one paragraph of that speech. He said, quote, "We are also watching closely, events in the Middle East. The re-eruption of the Israel-Palestinian conflict has impacted Singapore. Like people elsewhere in the world, Singaporeans identify with the plight of Palestinian people. Muslim Singaporeans, especially feel this strongly. But, in fact, all Singaporeans are appalled by the human suffering in Gaza as Israeli attacks target there, as they were also appalled by Hamas terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians on 7 October 2023 that prompted this IDF military operations. The quarrel between the Israelis and Palestinians is not our quarrel, but it impacts our society. The Government has to take a national position that upholds our consistent principles and, which considers the sentiments and feelings of our population. We feel sympathy for the civilian victims on both sides and will extend humanitarian help to those in need. But we must not let problems elsewhere widen fault lines in our society. Let us indeed build on and strengthen our social harmony." So, that is the context, Mr Leong – do not let problems elsewhere widen our potential fault lines. And none of us should seek to do that or take advantage of that for political point scoring. That is the real message to you and, indeed, it is a reminder to all of us. Again, as I said, we can all have different perspectives and views. We may be informed by religion, social conscience, our own interpretations of history. But the paramount point here, let us not be divided. Do not play up fault lines.”
“By definition, MFA will not be aware of Singaporeans in the region who have not e-registered with us. I have already mentioned we have at least one in Lebanon. We have several in Israel – I do not have the exact number. I want to be quite categorical – frankly, as far as MFA is concerned, it is not a matter of how strict. We have signalled unambiguously through our travel advisories and notices, "Please don't go to hotspots where safety will be an issue" or where we anticipate that further regional conflagration is a real and present risk. If that happens and you get into trouble, of course we would not leave you behind, but you are actually generating enormous work and concern, and sometimes even risk to the officers in MFA. Again, I make this appeal. Unless there is really, really no choice, please do not go and please do not give us unnecessary extra work. And I say this not because my officers are not willing to do the work – my officers are. I would also want to make this point that MFA has got officers throughout the Middle East and I had never had a single officer come up to me and say, "There is a clear and present risk, please don't send me." So, I hope this House will also join me in expressing our appreciation and admiration for the Foreign Service Officers who put themselves on the frontlines, at risk, in order to represent us and to safeguard our interest and to help Singaporeans.”
“So far, you would have noticed that we have access to all parties. I have been to Palestine, I have been to Israel, I have been to the Middle East. You would also recall that so far, Singaporeans have raised more than $17 million of assistance – and these funds have come from Singaporeans of all races, languages and religions. We have been able to work with our partners across the Middle East to deliver this assistance. I hope Members of this House will see that even in this dark hour, the unity of Singaporeans, the good will and generosity of Singaporeans, and the calm, measured, principled, consistent, diplomatic posture of Singapore is something which has been noticed and appreciated – certainly in the Middle East, but even on the international stage.”
“This is a long-standing, complicated issue. The Member has mentioned that there may be political, social, religious dimensions. There will also be historical, cultural, geographical and economic dimensions to it. Basically, there is no easy solution. There is also, unfortunately, no quick and instant solution. The main point that I think the Member is trying to raise is that given the complexities of the issue and the fact this is going to be so long-standing, how should Singapore and Singaporeans respond. Given that we are multiracial, multilingual, multi-religious, we are an open city, we depend on free trade, we depend on the import of energy. The point is that events far away can have profound impact on us. They can affect us economically, they can also affect our social, ethnic, religious harmony. This is something which we need to be very, very mindful of. Therein the point is as the Member had made – this is a foreign nation, this is something far away, but we should not under-estimate the impact that it can have on our society. I think our paramount concern should be to maintain the unity and cohesion of all Singaporeans, that we are entitled to different opinions, different reactions even. But above all, maintain our own domestic cohesion and collectivity. And then, we can play our role as a responsible member of the international community, standing for peace, standing for international law, upholding principles, providing humanitarian assistance wherever it is needed. And then, maintaining our communication channels open with all parties, even though some of these parties may be at war or doing things which, quite frankly, we find abhorrent. That is the position which I am trying to encourage us to maintain.”
“Given the difficulties and complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Singapore’s approach remains to be constructive, to be helpful, to support all efforts towards peace. And we will continue to support international efforts to create the necessary conditions that will enable this peace process to begin again. This was the key thrust of my remarks to the House on 2 July 2024. Mr Speaker, the safety and security of Singaporeans in the Middle East region is our key concern. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has existing travel advisories against travel to Lebanon and, in particular, the Israel-Lebanon border, as well as the Israel-Syria border. But I have to inform the House that there is, in fact, one Singaporean currently e-registered in Lebanon, who has insisted on proceeding with the trip despite knowing the dangers. MFA will remain in close touch with all the Singaporeans who are e-registered in the region. Our Embassy in Tel Aviv stands ready to provide consular assistance. All travellers to the Middle East are strongly encouraged to e-register with MFA and to please take precautions for personal safety.”
“Advisory Opinions of the ICJ carry significant weight in the international legal system and contribute to the development of international law, even though they do not in themselves create legally binding obligations. The Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024 that was requested by the UN General Assembly is significant. It focuses on Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the issue of Israeli settlements. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced that he will put the Advisory Opinion to the General Assembly to decide how to proceed in this matter. Singapore’s long-standing position on Israeli settlements has been consistent and clear. Singapore views the Israeli settlements as illegal under international law. The settlements make it much harder to arrive at a viable two-state solution. Singapore has consistently voted in support of UN General Assembly resolutions that reject Israeli settlement activities and call upon Israel to rescind all unilateral measures that have been taken to change the status of Jerusalem. Singapore’s long-standing position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is that the only viable pathway to a comprehensive, just and durable solution is a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions. And we continue to urge both parties to resume direct negotiations and to, in the meantime, refrain from unilateral actions to attempt to change the status quo because this will hinder the peace process. Ultimately, Israelis and Palestinians need to have the political will to make the necessary concessions required in order to achieve a durable peace.”
“Mr Speaker, Singapore is gravely concerned about the escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have put at risk efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This should be the foremost priority. Singapore firmly supports the ceasefire proposal announced by the United States (US) on 31 May 2024 which was welcomed, in fact codified, by the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution on 10 June 2024. We urge parties in the conflict to arrive at an agreement. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, Singapore continues to stand with the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire, we call for the unconditional and safe release of all hostages and we also call for unhindered humanitarian access. We also reiterate our call for all sides to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law. The second point I want to make is that Singapore calls on all parties to de-escalate tensions and that there is a real and rising danger of a wider regional conflagration that needs to be avoided. We condemn all attacks on civilians, including the recent attacks across the Israel-Lebanon border, as Mr de Souza had alluded to. With respect to Lebanon, we urge all parties to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which inter alia called for the full cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a demilitarised zone in the south of Lebanon, permitting only the UN and Lebanese armed forces. Mr Speaker, I will now take the questions related to the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on “Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”. This Advisory Opinion was published on 19 July 2024.”
“Mr Speaker, my response will cover the question raised by Member Mr Christopher de Souza in today's Order Paper. I will also address the question for written answer by Member Ms Nadia Samdin in today's Order Paper, as well as questions raised by Members Mr Leong Mun Wai and Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, which were filed for subsequent Sittings, but since it is on the same issue, I thought I would address all these questions together.”
“MFA will provide a consolidated response to this Parliamentary Question and related Parliamentary Questions on this same topic, at the sitting on 7 August 2024. [Please refer to "Impact of Escalating Tensions and Intensified Fighting in Middle East on Singapore", Official Report, 7 August 2024, Vol 95, Issue 139, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
“Singapore complies strictly with our international obligations on international arms sales, as well as the United Nation's (UN's) sanctions and embargoes against any country, including submitting regular reports to the UN Register of Conventional Arms. Apart from this, it is the established policy of the Government not to publicly divulge any details of defence sales for national security reasons.”
“So, let us remain calm, let us remain united, let us remain constructive and helpful, and hope even in this time of bleak, darkness, hope that peace will be given a chance in Palestine and that our Israeli friends and our Palestinian friends – brothers actually, the two of them – can live in peace with each other. For Members who have accompanied me on my trips, I hope you have noticed that we actually have an unusual and unique privilege that we are welcomed by all sides. If you think about that, that is not something that you can take for granted. To be able to welcomed by all sides, including warring parties, requires a track record of principled, deliberate, careful diplomacy. It does not mean agreeing with everyone all the time, but even when we disagree with elements of other people's programmes, other people's agenda, they understand why we disagree and they know that we mean well and that we are good for our word and that we are helpful. So, that is the attitude by which the Government of Singapore approaches this most vexing of disputes, which has gone on for far too long. Finally, let me again reiterate: an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and an immediate release of all hostages. 1.48 pm”
“I know Mr Giam is sincere in this, but I would point out that even in his question, there are two different dimensions to it. One, is there an effective Palestinian leadership that speaks for all and that has the mandate to negotiate? That is a separate question from is there a recognisable Palestinian state? And without locking ourselves in prematurely, which may be unhelpful, I am saying that our long-standing position is that only a negotiated two-state solution will lead to a just, durable and comprehensive peace, and both sides must recognise the other's right to exist and must renounce terrorism. Without those prerequisites, never mind the diplomatic and legal niceties, without the recognition and respect of the other's right to exist and without renouncing terrorism, these cycles of violence will recur. And there will be peroxisomes of wars, conflicts and horrendous humanitarian disasters which we are witnessing now. So, I hope I have explained to everyone here, including the people, the principled position and the motivation behind our position. That is why we do not engage in polemic or in performative gestures, or making premature pronouncements – which frankly, would be unhelpful – and also, be humble enough to know, Singapore is a tiny city state far away. The Member has been there, so he knows the difficulty and complexities of the conflict. Again, another worthwhile reminder for all of us in Singapore: this is fundamentally not our quarrel. This is a family quarrel in another family. The worst thing you can do in a family quarrel is to get involved unnecessarily or with ulterior motives, or to perform for an external audience.”
“I thank the Member for the question. We are trying our best bilaterally on the basis of our relationship with Israel, our relationship with all the Middle East stakeholders, as well as consulting closely with our ASEAN partners and other partners around the world. But I just want to emphasise again: we are not the determinative factor. This is a long-standing conflict. I honestly do not know how and when it will end, and my focus is not to add fuel to the fire, but to be quietly, discreetly, constructively helpful to the people at a humanitarian level and to build up capacity, specifically with respect to the Palestinian Authority.”
“I do not have the total aid provided to Palestine over the past 10 years. As I said in my earlier answer, we obviously have the $10 million enhanced technical assistance package, we have scholarships. I have not computed the value of the scholarships and we intend to give more. We have delivered three tranches of humanitarian assistance so far, including deploying the Republic of Singapore Air Force to airdrop, I think, at least 20 tonnes, to Gaza in March. We are contemplating a fourth tranche. I should also say that the fundraising from Singaporeans – and I want to give a special shout-out to Rahmatan Lil Alamin – I think we have collectively raised at least $15.5 million so far. So, I am giving the Member figures which frankly are all within less than one calendar year. If the Member really wants the total for 10 years, he can submit a separate question later on. Let me now deal with the Member's question on arms and let me give the Member a very careful and proper answer to this. Singapore complies strictly with our international obligations on international arms sales as well as UN sanctions and embargoes against any country, including submitting regular reports to the UN Register of Conventional Arms, which is a public record which you can access for yourself. Apart from this, it is the established policy of the Government not to publicly divulge any details of defence sales for national security reasons.”
“In the case of Singapore, I said our principal consideration is that we have always believed in a negotiated two-state solution. We believe that the Palestinian people have a right to a homeland. We will continue to support the Palestinian people and the nascent Palestinian Authority, which, certainly, in the case of the PLO, constitutes, I would say, the key pillar of the current Palestinian Authority, which accepts Israel's right to exist and which has renounced terrorism. The Member was there in the room when I had these discussions with numerous Palestinian Authority leaders who all reaffirmed these points. So, we really have no problem with the Palestinian Authority. But I think let us be frank about it. The situation in Gaza is far more problematical and the people whom we spoke to and engaged in Ramallah have tenuous or, in fact, almost zero input into the situation in Gaza. Nevertheless, let us be helpful, constructive and consistent. Let us not engage in performative gestures. Let us engage in constructive, direct assistance to the people of Palestine who need and, as the Member has noticed, appreciate our support.”
“Likewise, I thank the Member Mr Zhulkarnain for accompanying me. He was in Ramallah with me and when we had the discussions with the Palestinian Authority leadership, including their graduates of our ETAP programme. Let me answer the second question first. We intend to continue all our assistance packages. We intend to also look for opportunities to do more. And quite frankly, the level of support that we provide to the Palestinian Authority will not depend upon whether or not there is formal recognition or not or, indeed, what happens even on the international stage. The Member will know, in fact, all Members will know, even without that formal status, the Palestinian Prime Minister has visited Singapore, our then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has been to Ramallah, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and I and Second Minister Maliki have made numerous trips to Ramallah. So, the point I want to assure Members is that the interactions, the support and the assistance that we provide to the Palestinian Authority are not subject to the other political and diplomatic interactions. Let me now come to the Member's first question. Actually, the formal recognition of statehood is not just a diplomatic or just a legal question. More specifically, in the case of Palestine as the situation currently subsists, you can make legal arguments both ways whether or not they fulfil the four criteria of the Montevideo Principles of Statehood. Permanent people define boundaries, effective government able to transact, enter treaties. You can make legal arguments both ways. Ultimately, we believe this is a political question and, therefore, it will be subject to the political considerations of the different entities that are trying to engage the Palestinian people.”
“I thank Mr Giam for the questions. In fact, I thank him for accompanying me on my trip to the Middle East in March. Let me reiterate that we are prepared, in principle, to recognise Palestine and the principal consideration is: when we do this, would it be helpful or would it hinder the progress towards peace and which, in turn, in fact, depends on negotiations between both sides. The Member mentioned "equal". But a key point and the prickly question which every single country that is pondering this question has to decide is: is there an effective Palestine government or leadership who represents all Palestinians which has effective control over, at the minimum, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and has the mandate, has the authority to negotiate with the Israelis on behalf of the Palestinians? And, quite frankly, I think every other country in the world will have to grapple with this same question but will arrive at that answer, probably at a different threshold or a different point in time. Frankly, it will also depend on their own domestic circumstances. So, I would say that we are not going to lock ourselves into a specific time or to whether or not other countries have made decisions in parallel on the same fundamental question. So, let me summarise again. We are prepared, in principle, to recognise the state of Palestine. But we want to do so at an appropriate moment when it is helpful, and you must have an effective Palestine government and one, which I alluded to earlier, which must categorically renounce terrorism and must accept the right of Israel to exist. Within those parameters, I look forward to progress. I do not know exactly when that will happen, but I certainly look forward to progress.”
“But clearly, all these can only take effect when the fighting ceases. For now, the focus has to be on securing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all the hostages immediately.”
“During my recent visit to Ramallah in March 2024, the Prime Minister of Palestine, Mohammad Mustafa expressed his appreciation for our long-standing technical assistance and, in fact, he sought further capacity-building support, especially in civil service training and in digitalisation. I welcomed his interest in these areas and I said that Singapore will do our best to respond. As a follow-up, there will be a course on "Transforming Public Service with the Power of Artificial Intelligence" which we will conduct for Palestinian Authority officials later this month. We will also provide fully funded scholarships for Palestinian officials to pursue postgraduate studies in our local universities. Three Palestinian officials have already been awarded scholarships this year, I think in accountancy, international political economy and info-communications security. We hope that this training opportunities will help the Palestinian Authority officials better serve the Palestinian people, as well as equip them with necessary skills when it comes to the eventual reconstruction of Gaza. On Mr Faisal Manap's specific question on training Palestinian officials to aid in the reconstruction of Gaza, let me just state that Singapore will assess how best we can help bilaterally and, in fact, as part of a multilateral effort. I remain in close and constant contact with all my counterparts in the Middle East on this issue. Singapore participated in a conference co-hosted by King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 11 June this year to discuss the humanitarian response to Gaza. We stand ready to contribute, taking into account Gaza's needs and in account of our own resources and expertise.”
“We therefore decided to join the majority of the international community in supporting this resolution, which is also in line with our long-standing support for the principles of international law and for the implementation of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Our vote at the UN's General Assembly means that Singapore is prepared in principle to recognise the State of Palestine. We will make this move at an appropriate time. Our key consideration is that such a move on our part should help progress towards peace and a negotiated two-state solution. In particular, there will need to be an effective Palestinian government that accepts Israel's right to exist and categorically rejects terrorism. Both sides have legitimate rights and both peoples have a right to live in peace and dignity within secure borders. We urge both sides to seize the moment, to take steps towards a long-lasting peace and to put an end to the suffering that has gone on for far too long. Ultimately, Israelis and Palestinians need to exercise leadership and will have to work together to forge a better future for their peoples. As Singapore is a friend to both, Singapore will continue to offer our encouragement and our tangible support to both Palestinians and Israelis. Singapore will continue our engagement with the Palestinian Authority. We will continue to implement our S$10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Package (ETAP) to help the Palestinian Authority build capacity and to prepare for eventual statehood. To date, we have trained more than 750 officials in a variety of areas, including diplomacy, water management, economic development and urban planning. These are important vital areas that any government will need have the necessary expertise in.”
“Thank you. Let me begin by reaffirming the principles that guide Singapore's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We have consistently advocated for a negotiated two-state solution that is consistent with the relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions because we believe this is a way for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace and security. In fact, this is the only viable path for achieving a comprehensive, a just and a durable solution to this conflict. We have also consistently supported the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland. In 1988, the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) issued a proclamation on the State of Palestine which affirmed the UN's partition of the Mandate of Palestine into an Arab and a Jewish State, as well as the PLO's decision to renounce violence against Israel. We welcomed this proclamation back in 1988 because the PLO had therefore explicitly rejected terrorism and recognised the right of the State of Israel to exist. We saw these moves as progress towards a durable solution. On 18 April 2024, a UN Security Council resolution that recommended that Palestine be admitted for membership to the UN was vetoed. On 10 May 2024, the General Assembly took up a resolution expressing support for Palestine's membership in the UN and recommended that the Security Council reconsider this matter favourably. Singapore voted in favour of this resolution after very careful consideration. This reflected our hope to encourage both Israel and Palestine to resume direct negotiations towards a two-state solution, at a time when, in fact, the prospects for such negotiations were increasingly bleak.”
“Mr Speaker, I seek your approval to answer Question Nos 39 to 43 collectively as they all relate to the issue of Palestine.”
“The question was addressed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' reply to a similar Question No 58 on the Order Paper, submitted by Member Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim for the Parliamentary Sitting on 8 May 2024. [Please refer to "Keeping in Touch with Singaporeans Based in Countries like Jordan and Egypt Given Escalation of Tensions in Middle East", Official Report, 8 May 2024, Vol 95, Issue 136, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]”
“On Singapore’s part, we remain committed to ensuring that developments in the Middle East do not affect the close partnerships we share with fellow ASEAN Member States.”
“Southeast Asia has been affected by the escalation of armed conflicts in the Middle East since the Hamas’ terrorist attack on 7 October 2023, Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza and the consequential dire humanitarian situation. There is also a heightened risk of a wider regional conflagration with global economic impact. In October 2023, the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers issued a Statement on the Recent Escalation of Armed Conflict in the Middle East. They urged the “immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties”. Further, they called for “the full respect of International Humanitarian Law” and for “safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian corridors”. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers strongly condemned the “acts of violence which have led to the deaths and injury of civilians, including ASEAN nationals”. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. In December 2023, all ASEAN Member States voted in favour of the United Nations General Assembly 10th Emergency Special Session resolution which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Several ASEAN Member States, including Singapore, are also conveying urgently needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Naturally, ASEAN Member States have different national perspectives. But on the core issues – the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, the need for humanitarian assistance to flow, and support for a two-state solution – ASEAN Member States share common views. With mutual understanding and respect, as well as a spirit of compromise, ASEAN has usually been able to find consensus on difficult issues.”