Diplomacy

BILATERAL TIES
Singapore and other countries

Overview:
Bilateral relations can help Singapore gain world recognition, and through world recognition, Singapore would have increased trade relations as well as a higher flow of goods and services.

Australia:
The RSAF operates a Jet Flying Training School in West Australia. In August 1998, a new facility was opened in Queensland. The RSAF was allowed to train in Australia for 15 years. With vast areas of open land ten times the size of Singapore, the RSAF pilots, and other personnel will be able to better hone their skills.
Germany/Japan:
After Singapore’s independence in 1965, Japan and Germany set up technical institutes in Singapore train workers and provide technical assistance to Singapore.
Indonesia:
During the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 to 1998, Singapore provided $10 million to Indonesia despite Singapore also suffering the impact of the Asian Financial Crisis at that time.
China:
Free Trade Agreement between both countries.
Malaysia:
Cultural exchange between both countries.


REGIONAL TIES
ASEAN

Overview:
Before 1967, no organization included majority of SEA countries. Ties were shaky as shown in the 1963 Confrontation between Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as the dispute over Sabah by Malaysia and Philippines, which resulted in cutting ties between both countries, In August 1967, ASEAN was formed by Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Philippines. It aims to promote economic, social, cultural development, peace and stability as well as provide opportunities for member countries to resolve issues peacefully.

ASEAN Free Trade Area:
SEA was an attractive destination for foreign investors since 1980s due to peace and stability as well as being economically vibrant for investments. AFTA was formed to remain economically viable in the era of globalization, in the face of India and China giving fierce competition for investors due to their high domestic market and lower costs of production.

Launched in 1992, the AFTA aims to remove import taxes among Southeast Asian countries, and the long term plan for the AFTA is to integrate the Asian economies into one large production base, with a domestic market of over 500 million people and remove all import taxes among member countries by 2015.

ASEAN Regional Forum:
The ARF was formed in 1994 to maintain peace by promoting political and security dialogue and cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as allow for countries to discuss and resolve security issues or conflicts peacefully. Participants include China, Japan, North Korea, India, New Zealand, Australia, USA and Canada.


INTERNATIONAL TIES
United Nations

Overview:
The UN aims to provide help to countries in need, as well as give a voice to every member country and safeguarding peace and security. Established after the end of World War II in 1945 with 51 starting members, the main aim of the UN is to preserve world peace, and in 1999 the number of member nations has grown to 188 members, Singapore included.

UN to Singapore:
Singapore joined the UN in 1965, and the UN recognised Singapore’s independence. UN experts on social and economic development aided Singapore’s development. Dr Albert Winsemium, an UN economic expert helped Singapore develop its economy after its independence. The UN also was a platform for Singapore to voice its opinions and views on world affairs, which was important as Singapore is a small country.

Singapore to UN:
Singapore contributed to the UN by being part of the UN Security Council in January 2001 to March 2002, as well as playing a key role in the UN Conference on the Law of the Sea in 1980 to 1982, where Professor Tommy Koh was the chairman of the conference during that time.

Diplomacy! Rawr.

[Marcus]