Singapore Will Help Shape a More Stable, Resilient, Inclusive Global Environment: PM

Republic Reaching Out to New Frontiers in Africa, Latin America and Middle East

- Chin Soo Fang

Singapore is charting new frontiers and will be opening diplomatic missions in Africa and Latin America over the next few years.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has also established a new Development Partnership Unit to coordinate efforts across agencies, strengthen collaborations and focus on areas where Singapore can make a meaningful impact globally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on April 16.

He outlined steps Singapore will take to navigate an increasingly fragmented and turbulent world. This comes amid the ongoing trade war between the US and China, triggered by US President Donald Trump's imposition of sweeping tariffs on most of the world's countries, including Singapore.

The Republic will move forward in three key areas: It will contribute actively to the stewardship of the global commons, champion deeper regional cohesion and integration, and strengthen its global network of partnerships, said PM Wong.

He was speaking at the S. Rajaratnam Lecture held at the Singapore University of Technology and Design auditorium. It was attended by more than 900 guests, including political office holders, senior government officials and students.

He noted that Singapore currently has only two diplomatic missions serving the entire continent of Africa—in Cairo, Egypt; and in Pretoria, South Africa—and only one in Latin America.

This, he said, is insufficient. So, Singapore is reaching out to new frontiers there, as well as in the Middle East.

The Republic will step up efforts to develop ties with Africa and Latin America—regions "brimming with potential," but which the nation has not fully engaged due to distance or unfamiliarity.

"We hope that this will show our friends in Africa and Latin America that Singapore is keen to do more—to trade, invest and partner with them for mutual benefit," he said.