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International Relations

When Singapore gained independence in 1965, the 581.5 square kilometre country had no illusions about its place in the region or the world. With nothing in terms of natural resources to offer, and surrounded by unfriendly neighbours, diplomacy was key to its survival. Copying Switzerland’s model of neutrality and non-alignment, Singapore’s stated foreign policy was ‘we are friends with all those who wish to be friends with us’.

Diplomatic ties were readily established with countries from the USA to the then Soviet Union, Israel to Egypt. To this day, Singapore holds fast to this delicate balance of neutrality and is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement. Singapore was a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Relations with the USA and Europe are particularly warm and Singapore is a member of the Commonwealth and United Nations, where it served on the UN Security Council in 2001- 2002. An advocate of free trade, Singapore is a member of the World Tourism Organization (WTO).

There are 55 resident foreign embassies and high commissions, 39 foreign consular posts, eight international organisations in Singapore and over 60 accredited non-resident foreign ambassadors.