Singapore enjoys good relations with its neighbours and continue to further deepen its co-operation, said Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister during a Chinese New Year dinner for residents in Teck Ghee. He spoke on the relations of Singapore with China, US, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries.
“There are both challenges and opportunities ahead for Singapore. But for the country to prosper in an uncertain world, we must stay united, understand what is important to Singapore as we manage our foreign relations and we find new paths ahead together”, he further said.
While speaking about the relations with China, Prime Minister said,” Singapore has good relations with China and we hope to continue pursuing mutually beneficial ties and friendship with the Asian giant.”
“Both sides see value in this relationship. We hope to continue developing our friendship with China, to the mutual benefit of both countries,” said Lee, noting that Singapore is China’s top source of foreign investments while the latter is Singapore’s biggest trading partner.
While speaking about the US election, he said,” It is very important… fundamental change for the US and for the world”.
He added, “The mood among some portions of the American voters is different from what it used to be. They are not happy with the status quo, they want to change the status quo. They want somebody to express their frustration because their lives have not improved.”
Singapore must “watch carefully” what policies the US pursues domestically and internationally, he said.
“The US is an important power in the region, which contributes to peace and stability in Asia. And we hope that even with a new administration, even with a different mood in the US, this can continue…Because if the US continues to cooperate with Singapore and other countries, I think it is good for Singapore, and it is also good for the US and for the world.”
He also spoke about the relations of Singapore with Malaysia and Indonesia. While reflecting on the bilateral projects like the Kendal Industrial Park which opened in Semarang last year, and the upcoming High Speed Rail linking Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, he said, “ When these projects are done, it will be more convenient to visit each other and do business together. These are projects which show that both sides want to cooperate, to work together, and there is goodwill and a desire to deepen the relationships.”
