“ASEAN remains a cornerstone of our foreign policy. ASEAN holds tremendous potential to be unlocked through deeper regional integration,” he said in the Foreign Ministry’s (MFA) addendum to the President’s Address on Monday.

The addendum outlined MFA’s key initiatives and focus areas under the theme of “Securing Singapore’s Place in a Changing World”, following President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s opening of the first session of the 15th Parliament on Sept 5.

Balakrishnan said that with its immediate neighbour, Malaysia, Singapore will support the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, which will enhance connectivity and strengthen economic and people-to-people ties.

The minister noted that with Indonesia, the Expanded Framework Agreements on airspace management, defence, and law enforcement mark a milestone in bilateral relations and provide a strong foundation for cooperation in new areas such as renewable energy and human capital development.

Meanwhile, the MFA will strengthen ties with both the United States and China, as well as expand its circle of friends to include middle powers in emerging regions of growth such as Africa, Central Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Singapore will also launch a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with New Zealand and a Strategic Partnership with South Korea, and open new diplomatic missions in Africa and Latin America in the coming years.

In addition, Singapore is exploring partnerships between the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the European Union, and ASEAN to preserve open flows of trade and investment and to build economic resilience.

“We are also expanding collaboration in the digital economy and green economy to create opportunities for Singaporeans in forward-looking areas,” he added.

Balakrishnan said Singapore will proactively support effective, rules-based multilateralism at the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), while continuing to play a constructive role in plurilateral arrangements.  

“By advancing a positive agenda in areas like Artificial Intelligence, climate change, and pandemic preparedness, MFA will continue to demonstrate our commitment to being a responsible steward of the global commons,” he said.

The minister emphasised that Singapore’s foreign policy must adapt swiftly to the realities of a more uncertain era – one marked by disruptions to global trade, the weaponisation of economic tools, rising risks of conflict, weakening multilateralism, sharper major power rivalry, and rapid technological change.

He said to remain relevant and trusted, the MFA will maintain consistent and pragmatic engagement with all countries, reinforce Singapore’s role as a credible and reliable partner, look after Singaporeans overseas, and build domestic support for its foreign policy.

-- BERNAMA