Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (Dr Vivian Balakrishnan): The world is in transition from the post-Cold War order to a more uncertain era, marked by disruptions to global trade, the weaponisation of economic tools, rising risks of conflicts, weakening multilateralism, sharper major power rivalry and rapid technological change. These shifts pose serious challenges for Singapore, whose survival and prosperity depend on free trade, access to global supply chains, and our role as a business and logistics hub.

Singapore’s foreign policy must adapt swiftly to these realities. Our strength lies in our reputation for stability and reliability, and in our national unity and resilience. To remain relevant and trusted, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) will: first, maintain consistent and pragmatic engagement with all countries, be it our immediate neighbours, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), or major and middle powers; second, reinforce our role as a credible and reliable partner; and third, look after Singaporeans overseas and build domestic support for our foreign policy.

Constructive cooperation with our immediate neighbours is vital. With Malaysia, we will support the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link. These projects will enhance connectivity and strengthen economic and people-to-people ties. With Indonesia, the Expanded Framework Agreements on airspace management, defence and law enforcement marked a milestone in our bilateral relations and provide a strong foundation for cooperation in new areas like renewable energy and human capital development.

ASEAN remains a cornerstone of our foreign policy. ASEAN holds tremendous potential to be unlocked through deeper regional integration. We will increase intra-ASEAN linkages and build a more sustainable future by upgrading and fully implementing our trade agreements, deepening cross-border digital frameworks, developing the ASEAN Power Grid and advancing green economy standards. We will also expand ASEAN’s network of partnerships, ensure key international players have a stake in the region’s success and work towards an open, inclusive and ASEAN-centred region.

MFA will strengthen ties with both the United States and China – important partners across many domains. MFA will also expand our circles of friends, which include middle powers in emerging regions of growth such as Africa, Central Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. We will build on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships (CSPs) and Strategic Partnerships (SPs) we have with countries like France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, and launch a CSP with New Zealand and a SP with the Republic of Korea. We will open new diplomatic missions in Africa and Latin America in the coming years. Through our new Development Partnerships Directorate, MFA will strengthen the Singapore Cooperation Programme to share our experience with others and coordinate Singapore’s development partnerships in areas where we have relevant strengths.

Our growing network of free trade agreements are avenues to work with like-minded partners. We are exploring partnerships between the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the European Union and ASEAN to preserve open flows of trade and investment and build economic resilience. We are also expanding collaboration in Digital Economy and Green Economy to create opportunities for Singaporeans in forward-looking areas.

We will proactively support effective rules-based multilateralism at the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization, while playing a constructive role in plurilateral arrangements. By advancing a positive agenda in areas like artificial intelligence, climate change, and pandemic preparedness, MFA will continue to demonstrate our commitment to being a responsible steward of the global commons.

Despite the challenges of global governance, patient and skilful diplomacy can produce consensus outcomes. Singapore’s recent Chairmanship of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Cybersecurity established a new UN Global Mechanism on Cybersecurity. Singapore contributes to the development of global norms through our participation in the Councils of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization. We have put forward Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee to serve as a Judge in the International Court of Justice and Mr Daren Tang for re-election as Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The safety of Singaporeans abroad remains a priority. MFA will strengthen consular capabilities, expand diplomatic networks and enhance emergency response coordination, including through digital tools like the eRegister platform.

National unity is essential in navigating a more contested geopolitical climate and withstanding external pressures. MFA will continue engaging Singaporeans on our core foreign policy considerations and Singapore’s role on the global stage, building the domestic support needed to act in our long-term national interests.