Fundamental principles of Singapore’s foreign policy

As a small state, Singapore has no illusions about her status in the region in the world.

Singapore

• must always maintain a credible and deterrent military defence as the fundamental underpinning for an effective foreign policy;

• must promote and work for good relations with our immediate neighbours in all spheres based on mutual respect and sovereignty;

• stands by its friends who have stood with it in times of need;

• is fully committed to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN);

• will work to maintain a secure and peaceful environment in and around Southeast Asia, especially the Asia Pacific region;

• will continue to work for the maintenance of a free and open multilateral trading system;

• is ready to trade with any state for mutual benefit and maintain an open market economy; and

• will play an active and helpful role as a member of the international community in organisations such as the United Nations (UN).