As promised, here are the ways that Singapore practice diplomacy:
Introduction
Diplomacy is the way in which countries manage or conduct relations with one another – with the aim to resolve conflicting interests in a peaceful manner. Singapore practises three types of diplomatic relations, namely bilateral relations, regional relations and international relations to promote common interests and to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.
1. Bilateral Relations
One way in which Singapore maintains diplomacy is by managing bilateral relations.
Singapore has been actively involved in expanding bilateral relationships with many countries since its independence. With bilateral relations, Singapore was able to further promote political, economic and cultural ties with neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. For example, in 2004, Singapore sent humanitarian aid to Aceh, a province in Indonesia, when it was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami. In doing so, it has helped Singapore to gain friendship, world recognition and respect from Indonesia.
Hence, bilateral relations are important because it involves Singapore directly with another country. In many ways, this is more beneficial as Singapore can liaise directly with them since it is easier for both countries to negotiate and work out some form of understanding. Through bilateral relations, Singapore was able to speed up its economic and social development.
2. Regional Relations
The second way in which Singapore maintains diplomacy is by managing regional relations.
By being a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Singapore actively tries to maintain peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia. It has taken on a leadership role in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which provides opportunities for ASEAN and other countries such as USA, China and Japan to discuss important issues. Besides providing opportunities for member countries to interact and cooperate to promote greater understanding, ASEAN also provide a platform for members to discuss and resolve differences peacefully. The political stability and security in the region will in turn attract foreign investment and lead to greater economic growth for all.
Being such a small country, the impact of joining ASEAN as a member allows Singapore to benefit and contributes to regional development. Through ASEAN, Singapore has forged better relations with its neighbouring countries.
3. International Relations
The final way in which Singapore maintains diplomacy is by managing international relations.
Singapore was admitted as the 117th United Nations (UN) member on 21 September 1965. This membership was an important moment for Singapore. This membership allowed Singapore to gain recognition as a sovereign state and to receive help from them for national development. As a member of the UN, Singapore was elected by the UN General Assembly to serve as a non-permanent Security Council member for two years from 2001 to 2002. The main role of the Security Council is to maintain international peace and security. The election to the council showed the confidence member countries have in Singapore as well as Singapore’s commitment to the UN.
As a member of UN, Singapore’s national security will be further protected as UN’s main mission is to maintain world peace and security. Membership in the UN allowed Singapore to gain recognition as a sovereign state, and thereby indirectly contributes to its in dependence and territorial integrity. It also enables Singapore to develop friendship with other nations.
Conclusion
Managing bilateral relations is the most important type of diplomatic relations for Singapore. Weak bilateral ties will inevitably affect regional ties if a country has strained relations with another country in the same regional grouping. Similarly if a country does not make the effort to maintain good bilateral relations with other countries in the world, it is unlikely to be able to sustain and enjoy good international relations even if it is a member of the UN.
OR
Managing international relations is a better way for Singapore to manage her national security. As a small and vulnerable country, we need a large and powerful organisation that is respected and trusted to mediate and also perform the role as a governing body. That is why we need to be a member of the UN and also to be an active member to let people know that we cannot be ‘bullied’. That explains why Singapore sat on the prestigious UN Security Council for a short stint. Professor Tommy Koh has also contributed many assignments to the UN. Once this is established, Singapore can then start to work with her neighbours either through ASEAN or as an independent country having bilateral relations with other countries.
Introduction
Diplomacy is the way in which countries manage or conduct relations with one another – with the aim to resolve conflicting interests in a peaceful manner. Singapore practises three types of diplomatic relations, namely bilateral relations, regional relations and international relations to promote common interests and to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.
1. Bilateral Relations
One way in which Singapore maintains diplomacy is by managing bilateral relations.
Singapore has been actively involved in expanding bilateral relationships with many countries since its independence. With bilateral relations, Singapore was able to further promote political, economic and cultural ties with neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. For example, in 2004, Singapore sent humanitarian aid to Aceh, a province in Indonesia, when it was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami. In doing so, it has helped Singapore to gain friendship, world recognition and respect from Indonesia.
Hence, bilateral relations are important because it involves Singapore directly with another country. In many ways, this is more beneficial as Singapore can liaise directly with them since it is easier for both countries to negotiate and work out some form of understanding. Through bilateral relations, Singapore was able to speed up its economic and social development.
2. Regional Relations
The second way in which Singapore maintains diplomacy is by managing regional relations.
By being a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Singapore actively tries to maintain peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia. It has taken on a leadership role in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which provides opportunities for ASEAN and other countries such as USA, China and Japan to discuss important issues. Besides providing opportunities for member countries to interact and cooperate to promote greater understanding, ASEAN also provide a platform for members to discuss and resolve differences peacefully. The political stability and security in the region will in turn attract foreign investment and lead to greater economic growth for all.
Being such a small country, the impact of joining ASEAN as a member allows Singapore to benefit and contributes to regional development. Through ASEAN, Singapore has forged better relations with its neighbouring countries.
3. International Relations
The final way in which Singapore maintains diplomacy is by managing international relations.
Singapore was admitted as the 117th United Nations (UN) member on 21 September 1965. This membership was an important moment for Singapore. This membership allowed Singapore to gain recognition as a sovereign state and to receive help from them for national development. As a member of the UN, Singapore was elected by the UN General Assembly to serve as a non-permanent Security Council member for two years from 2001 to 2002. The main role of the Security Council is to maintain international peace and security. The election to the council showed the confidence member countries have in Singapore as well as Singapore’s commitment to the UN.
As a member of UN, Singapore’s national security will be further protected as UN’s main mission is to maintain world peace and security. Membership in the UN allowed Singapore to gain recognition as a sovereign state, and thereby indirectly contributes to its in dependence and territorial integrity. It also enables Singapore to develop friendship with other nations.
Conclusion
Managing bilateral relations is the most important type of diplomatic relations for Singapore. Weak bilateral ties will inevitably affect regional ties if a country has strained relations with another country in the same regional grouping. Similarly if a country does not make the effort to maintain good bilateral relations with other countries in the world, it is unlikely to be able to sustain and enjoy good international relations even if it is a member of the UN.
OR
Managing international relations is a better way for Singapore to manage her national security. As a small and vulnerable country, we need a large and powerful organisation that is respected and trusted to mediate and also perform the role as a governing body. That is why we need to be a member of the UN and also to be an active member to let people know that we cannot be ‘bullied’. That explains why Singapore sat on the prestigious UN Security Council for a short stint. Professor Tommy Koh has also contributed many assignments to the UN. Once this is established, Singapore can then start to work with her neighbours either through ASEAN or as an independent country having bilateral relations with other countries.
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