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Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy
Our Fundamentals
Our Fundamentals
3 minutes read
Singapore seeks to develop a wide network of friends based on the principles of mutual
respect, sovereignty and the equality of states, regardless of size. We aim to be a friend
to all and an enemy to none, but will uphold our principles and defend our national
interests as an independent and sovereign nation.
Singapore actively engages and seeks to make common cause with as many countries as
possible to forge overlapping circles of friends, so that they all have a stake in the peace,
stability and development of our region, and can create a stable balance of power in the
Asia Pacific. This provides small countries like Singapore with more room for
manoeuvre.
Beyond our immediate neighbourhood, Singapore works with other partners around
the world to advance our shared interests and address common challenges. For
example, we co-founded the Forum of Small States (FOSS), which has proven to be a
valuable platform for informal exchange and mutual support, capacity-building and
technical cooperation among its 108 small state members.
Hence, Singapore must remain nimble and adaptable to global trends and
developments, and strive to be an active and constructive player internationally.
Rallying Domestic Support and Unity for Our Foreign Policy Decisions
Foreign policy begins at home. Singapore’s foreign policy is for Singaporeans to decide.
Our first and most important line of defence is a vigilant and well-informed citizenry
that understands the geostrategic forces at play and our national interests.
It is therefore crucial that Singapore maintains a strong and credible armed force to
serve as a vital bulwark in our external relations and foreign policy.