SINGAPORE: The issue of good governance has become a
more pressing challenge, and nations all over the world, including
Singapore and Thailand, must adapt to the changing operating
environment, said Foreign Minister K Shanmugam.
He noted that social media has altered the way
people interact with states and governments, and it is also easier
now for people to organise themselves, raise funds and make their
voices heard.
Mr Shanmugam made the point on Thursday when he
co-officiated the 11th Coordinating Meeting of the
Thailand-Singapore Civil Service Exchange Programme with his Thai
counterpart.
The theme for this year's meeting was "Good Governance in an
Increasingly Complex World".
Mr Shanmugam said the theme arose from a conversation between Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Thai counterpart Yingluck
Shinawatra in December 2011.
Mr Shanmugam said Thailand and Singapore are very old friends, and
that the bilateral ties are underpinned by shared political,
strategic and economic interests.
He added: "These exchanges form the foundation of our
people-to-people ties. Our people know each other well. Thai food
has long been a favourite cuisine in Singapore, while Thailand
remains a popular holiday destination for many Singaporeans.
"Our students have also developed a better understanding of each
other's countries, cultures and traditions through our
school-twinning programmes and student exchanges."
Echoing Mr Shanmugam's point was Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister
and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who said that the
Singapore-Thailand bilateral ties are special.
He added: "First, it is free from any historical baggage, which
allows us to sustain and further build on our cooperation without
impediments.
"Second, it is based on a common vision of looking beyond our
bilateral ties by making (the) best use of our bilateral
cooperation to support the broader regional interest of an ASEAN
community."
In 2011, bilateral trade totalled S$31.9 billion. Singapore was
Thailand's fifth largest trading partner, while Thailand was
Singapore's tenth largest trading partner.
Thailand is also an important investment destination for Singapore
companies. Many familiar Singapore brands, such as BreadTalk, UOB
and Charles & Keith have established a presence in
Thailand.
Singapore investments in Thailand grew by 31 per cent to 25.2
billion baht (S$1 billion), making Singapore the second largest
foreign investor in Thailand in 2011, after Japan.
Both foreign ministers also commented on the latest development in
the South China Sea dispute -- the decision of the Philippines to
initiate an arbitration action against China.
They emphasised that all parties should pursue peaceful means to
settle the dispute.
Mr Surapong said he expects the matter to be discussed during the
next Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) between ASEAN and China in
March.
"In this regard, Thailand as the country coordinator will carry out
close consultation with all parties concerned. So I have instructed
my Permanent Secretary as SOM leader to pursue this consultation
with China, the Philippines and other parties concerned," he
added.
Mr Shanmugam stressed Singapore's position on the matter.
He said: "Every country in ASEAN decides on its own national
policies -- what are in its own interests -- and decides whether it
is voting records in the United Nations or specific issues, and
ASEAN doesn't seek to control national decisions.
"That's why you have to distinguish between a specific decision by
any particular country and an ASEAN decision. ASEAN's decision has
been set out in the six-point principles."
On the Philippine decision, he said: "It's a Filipino decision and
I am sure they have looked up where their national interests are. I
can't comment because I am not privy enough to the facts and basis
to which the claim is made. I am sure they have studied it.
"In broad terms, ASEAN's position which Singapore has also put
forward is that we should all avoid heightening tensions. We should
try and deal with this in a way that reduces tensions in accordance
with international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea) and avoid taking provocative actions."
- CNA/al
