Foreign relations of Singapore
27327
221596093
2008-06-25T05:54:45Z
Rjwilmsi
203434
gen fixes + format *date= in cite news/web/paper templates - full explanation [[User:Rjwilmsi#My_correction_of_dates_in_templates|here]] using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]]
{{Politics_of_Singapore}}
'''Singapore''' maintains diplomatic relations with 175 countries<ref>{{cite web | title = Singapore Missions Worldwide | publisher = Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore | date = 2007-03-31 | url = http://notesapp.internet.gov.sg/mfa/dipcon/dipcon.nsf/SMAgent}}</ref> although it does not maintain a [[high commission]] or embassy in many of those countries. It is a member of the [[United Nations]], the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]], [[ASEAN]] and the [[Non-Aligned Movement]].
Due to obvious geographical reasons, relations with [[#Malaysia|Malaysia]] and [[#Indonesia|Indonesia]] are most important. Historical baggage, including the traumatic separation from Malaysia, and [[Konfrontasi]] with Indonesia, have caused a siege mentality of sorts.{{Fact|date=April 2007}} Singapore enjoys good relations with the [[United Kingdom]] which shares ties in the [[Five Power Defence Arrangements]] ([[Five Power Defence Arrangements|FPDA]]) along with [[Malaysia]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. Good relations are also maintained with the [[#United States|United States]]; the US is perceived as a stabilizing force in the region to counterbalance the regional powers.
Singapore supports the concept of Southeast [[Asia]]n regionalism and plays an active role in the [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] (ASEAN), of which Singapore is a founding member. Singapore is also a member of the [[Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation]] (APEC) forum which has its Secretariat in Singapore.
As part of its role in the United Nations, Singapore held a rotational seat on the [[UN Security Council]] from 2001-2002. It participated in UN peacekeeping/observer missions in [[Kuwait]], [[Angola]], [[Namibia]], [[Cambodia]], and [[East Timor]].
==Timeline of Singapore foreign relations==
:''See also: [[Timeline of Singaporean history]]''
* [[1965]] [[August 7]] - Singapore and Malaysia sign the separation agreement.
* [[1965]] [[August 9]] - The [[Malaysia]]n Parliament votes to expel Singapore from the Federation; Singapore becomes independent after separating from Malaysia.
* [[1965]] [[August 9]] - [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] was established and [[S Rajaratnam]] becomes Singapore's first [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Singapore)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]].
* [[1965]] [[September 21]] - Singapore is admitted into the [[United Nations]] as the 117th member.
* [[1965]] [[October 15]] - Singapore becomes the 22nd member of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]].
* [[1967]] [[August 8]] - Singapore becomes a founding member of [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] (ASEAN).
* 1968 January - [[United Kingdom|Britain]] announces its intention to withdraw its armed forces from Singapore.
* 1970 September - Singapore is admitted into the [[Non-Aligned Movement]].
* [[1971]] [[January 14]]-22 - Singapore hosts the 18th Conference of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] Heads of Government Meeting.
* 1971 April - Singapore, [[United Kingdom]], [[Malaysia]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] sign the [[Five Power Defence Arrangements]].
* [[1971]] [[October 31]] - The last British military forces withdraws from Singapore.
* 1973 - Singapore joins [[General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade]] (GATT).
* [[1980]] [[June 1]] - [[S Dhanabalan]] becomes the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Singapore)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]].
* 1981 March - Singapore's Permanent Representative to the [[United Nations]], Ambassador [[Tommy Koh]], assumed the Presidency of the Third UN Conference on the [[Law of the Sea]].
* 1988 September - [[Wong Kan Seng]] becomes the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Singapore)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]].
* [[1990]] [[October 3]] - Singapore and [[People's Republic of China]] establish diplomatic relations.
* 1993 January - [[Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation]] Secretariat set up in Singapore.
* [[1994]] [[January 2]] - [[S Jayakumar]] becomes the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Singapore)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]].
* [[1994]] [[May 5]] - [[United States media]] sensationalise the caning incident of American teenager [[Michael P. Fay]] who was convicted for [[vandalism]].
* [[1995]] [[January 1]] - Inauguration of [[World Trade Organisation]] (WTO), Ambassador [[K Kesavapany]] is elected for a one-year term as Chairman of the General Council.
* [[1996]] [[December 9]]-13 - Singapore hosts the 1st WTO Ministerial Conference.
* [[1998]] [[January 15]] - Singapore and [[United States]] announces agreement for US ships to use a planned $35 million naval base from 2000.
* [[2000]] [[October 10]] - Singapore is elected as a non-permanent member of the [[United Nations Security Council]] (UNSC) at the 55th session of the UN General Assembly.
* [[2000]] [[November 14]] - Singapore and [[New Zealand]] sign Agreement on Closer Economic Partnership, Singapore's first bilateral [[Free Trade Agreement]].
* [[2001]] [[January 1]] - Singapore starts its two-year term in the [[United Nations Security Council]].
* 2001 January - A pipeline feeding gas to Singapore from [[Indonesia]]'s [[Natuna field]] in [[South China Sea]] opens.
* [[2002]] [[January 13]] - Singapore and [[Japan]] sign the [[Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement]].
* 2003 April - [[SARS]] virus outbreak in Singapore and other parts of Asia.
* [[2003]] [[May 6]] - Singapore and [[United States]] sign the [[United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement]] (USS-FTA).
* [[2004]] [[January 12]] - The new Malaysian Prime Minister [[Abdullah Ahmad Badawi]] makes his introductory visit to Singapore.
* [[2004]] [[August 13]] - [[Yeo Yong-Boon George]] becomes the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Singapore)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]].
* [[2005]] [[April 26]] - Singapore and [[Malaysia]] sign a settlement agreement concerning land reclamation in and around the [[Straits of Johor]].
* [[2005]] [[August 15]]-17 - Singapore hosted a multi-national maritime interdiction exercise, codename [[Exercise Deep Sabre]], participated by 13 countries.
* [[2005]] [[August 23]] - Singapore and [[Australia]] sign a memorandum of agreement to allow [[Singapore Armed Forces]] to train on the [[Shoalwater Bay]] Training Area till 2009.
* [[2005]] [[December 14]] - Singapore attends the inaugural [[East Asia Summit]] (EAS).
==Foreign policy==
Singapore’s leaders are [[realism (international relations)|realists]]; they perceive a [[Hobbes]]ian world where might makes right.<ref name=desker>{{cite book | author = B. Desker and M. N. M. Osman | title = S Rajaratnam on Singapore: from ideas to reality | year = 2006 | publisher = World Scientific Publishing | city = Singapore | isbn = 9812704574}}</ref> The resultant [[siege mentality]] is due to Singapore’s geographical weaknesses, mistrust of Malaysia and Indonesia due to historical baggage, and from how she stands out as a "little red dot in a sea of green", as then-President [[Habibie]] of Indonesia put it.<ref>{{cite news | title = President unhappy with Singapore, says AWSJ |date=1998-08-05 | publisher = [[The Straits Times]]}}</ref>
Singapore's first foreign minister was [[S. Rajaratnam]], and her foreign policy still bears his imprimatur. Rajaratnam originally framed Singapore’s foreign policy, taking into account "the jungle of international politics", and was wary of foreign policy "on the basis of permanent enemies."<ref name=desker/> In 1966, S. Rajaratnam saw Singapore’s challenge as ensuring her sustained survival, peace, and prosperity in a region suffering from mutual jealousies, internal violence, economic disintegration and great power conflicts.<ref name=desker/>
In accordance with this worldview, Singapore’s foreign policy is aimed at maintaining friendly relations with all countries, especially Malaysia, Indonesia, and ASEAN, and ensuring that her actions do not exacerbate her neighbors’ insecurities.<ref name=desker/> In 1972, Rajaratnam envisioned the world being Singapore’s [[hinterland]] – integration into the world economy would ameliorate Singapore’s inherent lack of natural resources.
Thus, Rajaratnam believed that maintaining a [[Balance of power in international relations|balance of power]], rather than becoming a de-facto [[vassal]] of some larger power, would provide Singapore with freedom to pursue an independent foreign policy. The interest in the [[Great Powers]] in Singapore would also deter the interference of regional powers.<ref name=desker/>
==Trade agreements==
:''See [[economy of Singapore#International trade agreements|economy of Singapore: International trade agreements]]
==International organizations==
===APEC===
The [[Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation]] (APEC) is based in Singapore. Singapore will be hosting the APEC forum in 2009.
==Asia==
Singapore maintains an embassy or High Commission in Brunei, Cambodia, People's Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea (South), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Vietnam.<ref name = "good trip">{{cite book | title = Have a Good Trip | author = [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore)]] | url = http://www.mfa.gov.sg/2006/consular/pdf/guideenglish.pdf | pages = 28 - 36}}</ref>
===Brunei===
In August 2005, [[Brunei]]'s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, Prince [[Mohamed Bolkiah]] arrived in Singapore for a three-day visit during which the two countries signed an agreement to eliminate double taxation, paving the way for further bilateral trade and investment.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/163982/1/.html | title = Singapore, Brunei sign Avoidance of Double Taxation pact | publisher = [[Channel NewsAsia]] | date = 2005-08-19}}</ref>
The [[Royal Brunei Navy]] and the [[Republic of Singapore Navy]] conduct an annual Exercise Pelican signifying strong ties between the two navies.
===China, People's Republic of===
Having a majority Chinese population, Singapore unsurprisingly enjoys good relations with China and is one of only three countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free access to China.
On [[September 19]], [[2005]], Vice Premier [[Wu Yi]] of the [[People's Republic of China]] arrived in Singapore for a three-day visit. She led a delegation of ministers and senior officials at the 2nd Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation between the PRC and Singapore.<ref>{{cite news | publisher = Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore | title = Official Visit of Vice Premier Wu Yi of the State Council of the People's Republic of China,19-21 September 2005 | url = http://app.mfa.gov.sg/internet/press/view_press_print.asp?post_id=1444 | format = press release | date = 2005-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/168240/1/.html | publisher = [[Channel NewsAsia]] | title = Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi to lead delegation to Singapore | date = 2005-09-14 | author = Dominique Loh}}</ref>
Many other examples of ties between Singapore and China is Singapore helping china to build up its industries and its industrial parks such as those in Sichuan Province, China.
===China, Republic of (Taiwan)===
Although [[Singapore]] switched diplomatic relations to the [[People's Republic of China]] in 1992, it continues to maintain close economic ties with the [[Republic of China]] (ROC on [[Taiwan]]) as part of its attempt to position itself as a neutral party to both sides. This is, however, a diplomatically delicate situation which has flared up occasionally.
A severe diplomatic row broke out between the PRC and Singapore when [[Lee Hsien Loong]] visited Taiwan a month before being sworn-in as the [[Prime Minister of Singapore]] on 12 August 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title = China warns officials against future visits to Taiwan | date = 2004-08-26 | publisher = [[Agence France Presse]] | url = http://www.singapore-window.org/sw04/040826a2.htm | format = reprint}}</ref> Factions in the Taiwanese media took the opportunity to highlight and publicise his visit, although the Singapore government emphasised that it was a private visit by Lee to familiarise himself with the latest developments there.
When Singapore started building its military in the 1970s, the Republic of China on Taiwan was one of the few places to offer assistance by providing training areas to the [[Singapore Armed Forces]] (SAF) for conducting military exercises. This assistance is valuable as Singapore is a land-scarce country comprises mainly of built-up areas. This arrangement continues today and is an important aspect of Singapore-ROC relation, although the two places do not conduct joint military exercise nor is there any official military alliance. Singapore pays the ROC for the lease of the training areas and the SAF men do not train together with Taiwanese soldiers.
On [[22 March]] [[2005]], however, the [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Singaporean defence ministry]] had to quickly correct an erroneous report in the [[Liberty Times]] on a joint military exercise between the Singapore and Taiwan,<ref>{{cite news | title = Singapore denies reports of joint military exercise with Taiwan | date = 2005-03-22 | publisher = [[Agence France Presse]] | format = reprint | url = http://www.singapore-window.org/sw05/050322af.htm}}</ref> This report caused the PRC government to demand an explanation. Singapore denied the report, while the ROC government refused to comment.
There have been media reports in recent years of the possibility of moving some or all of these military facilities to [[Hainan]] following an offer by the PRC, although this may not be taken up due to sensitivities in diplomatic relations between Singapore and her largely Islamic neighbours.<ref>{{cite news | title = A David-and-Goliath tussle | author = Barry Wain | date = 2004-08-05 | publisher = [[Far Eastern Economic Review]] | url = http://www.singapore-window.org/sw04/040805fe.htm | format = reprint}}</ref><ref> {{cite news | publisher = [[Library of Congress]] | title = Country Profile - Taiwan | date = March 2005 | url = http://www.mongabay.com/reference/country_profiles/2004-2005/Taiwan.html | format = reprint}}</ref>
===India===
Singapore enjoys strong economic and military relations with [[India]]. [[Indians in Singapore|Singapore's huge Indian population]] has played a decisive role in this strategic partnership. Singapore has carried out several military exercises with India and has been vocal supporter of greater Indian participation in ASEAN and anti-piracy patrolling [[Strait of Malacca]]. Singapore is also one of India's largest trading partners in [[South East Asia]].
===Indonesia===
In August 2005, Singapore and [[Indonesia]] signed a [[Memorandum of Understanding]] to expand aviation rights between the two countries.<ref>{{cite news| title = Singapore and Indonesia sign MOU to expand air links | author = Asha Popatlal | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 2005-08-08 | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/162170/1/.html}}</ref>
On [[3 October]] [[2005]], [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] [[Lee Hsien Loong]] met [[Indonesia]]n President [[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono]] in [[Bali]], just two days after the [[2005 Bali bombings|Bali bombings]]. They agreed to strengthen the fight against [[terrorism]] and also discussed cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment.{{Fact|date=March 2007}}<!--[http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailheadlines.asp?fileid=20051004.B08&irec=7 (Jakarta Post)]-->
Relations with Indonesia are generally good, though current outstanding issues include the bans on the export of sand, and [[granite]];<ref>{{cite news | author = | title = Indonesia may ban granite exports | date = 2007-03-12 | publisher = [[ANTARA News]] | url = http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2007/3/12/indonesia-may-ban-granite-exports/}}</ref> both of which, Singapore's construction industry is reliant on. Indonesia also initiated the sand ban after the results of tenders for Singapore's Integrated Resorts were announced. Critics are sceptical that Indonesia's sand ban had been imposed to protect the environment as per the official reason given, considering that Indonesia has done nothing about the yearly [[haze]] problem in the region.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
===Israel===
Singapore and [[Israel]] have enjoyed very close relations right from the outset. This is possibly due to the fact that they both view themselves as tiny regional economic powerhouses surrounded by much larger Islamic countries that have, at best, an uneasy relationship with that country. During Singapore's rocky and sudden independence, Singapore appealed to the international
community for help. Only Israel responded immediately, sending over a mission to jumpstart their economy and military, perhaps partially the reason for selective service for its young adults.
Currently, both countries have many economic ties and a lot of mutual trade of hi-tech and R&D, especially in the bio-tech field and defense field.
Israel's airline [[El Al]] cannot fly to Singapore as Singapore is wedged between Indonesia and Malaysia, whom both are hostile to Israel, and do not allow Israeli aircraft into their airspace.
The relations between Singapore and Israel are rooted upon shared values and perceptions. The right of existence of small countries has always been mutually perceived as of vital importance, thus contributing to the formalization of the bilateral ties. And indeed, Israel has held a representation in Singapore since its earliest days, taking formal shape in 1968.
Other shared understandings include the comprehension of the necessity to develop wide international trade relations, in order to overcome geographical limitations. This shared view led to a significant growth in mutual cooperation. Singapore is a hub for Israeli business and regional trade, while a growing number of members of both business communities seek opportunities for joint operations in biotechnology, IT and software industries, where both countries relative advantages are most valuable.
Several bilateral agreements provide a solid framework for substantiating cooperation in areas such as healthcare, investments and technological research & development, highlighting the Governments’ efforts to further deepen ties to the benefit of both peoples. Most recently, in 1997, a bi-national fund for financing new technological products was set up - a significant step aimed at promoting the cooperation to new levels of achievement.
Cultural exchange has been accentuated by encouraging the participation of Israeli artists in international events in Singapore, cultivating a broad interest in Israeli performing arts in areas such as dance and music. The yearly Film Festival has grown to become a cornerstone in the structured framework of activities.
Israel cherishes the long, standing friendship with Singapore as a symbol for global solidarity and support for human prosperity and world peace.<ref>{{cite web | title = Bilateral Relations: Historical Overview | publisher = Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel | url = http://singapore.mfa.gov.il/mfm/web/main/document.asp?SubjectID=2010&MissionID=58&LanguageID=0&StatusID=0&DocumentID=-1}}</ref>
===Malaysia===<!-- This section is linked from 2060s -->
Singapore was formerly part of [[Malaysia]] but was separated in 1965 due to political differences and racial tension. There remains a high degree of economic and social inter-dependence between the two countries. For example, Singapore imports the vast majority of fresh meat and vegetables from Malaysia, and Malaysia supplies a large fraction of Singapore's fresh water according to two treaties. Many Malaysians work in Singapore, some living in Singapore as permanent residents, while many also commute from [[Johor Bahru]] daily. Bilateral relations are complex and has experienced many highs and lows over the last 40 years.
====Defence====
Singapore and Malaysia are both members of the [[Five Power Defence Arrangements]]. The two countries also routinely conduct joint military exercises to enhance bilateral ties and to heightens the professional interaction between the [[Singapore Armed Forces]] and [[Royal Malaysian Army]]. In August 2005, the two countries concluded the 12th exercise of the series, Ex Semangat Bersatu 05 in [[Pahang]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Singapore, Malaysia conclude 12th bilateral military exercise in Pahang | author = Johnson Choo | publisher = [[Channel NewsAsia]] | date = 2005-08-21 | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/164268/1/.html}}</ref>
====Disputes====
Singapore has several long-standing disputes with [[Malaysia]] over a number of issues:
* [[Water conflicts between Malaysia and Singapore|deliveries of fresh water to Singapore]]
* maritime boundaries
* Moving of the Singapore station of Malaysia's [[Keretapi Tanah Melayu]] from Tanjong Pagar to Bukit Timah. See [[Malaysia-Singapore Points of Agreement of 1990]] and moving Malaysia's immigration checkpoint from the railway station to the Causeway.
* Withdrawal of [[Central Provident Fund]] funds by west Malaysians.
====Improved relationship====
Relations between the two countries has improved in recent years, especially since the transition of leadership in both governments. These relations improved by leaps and bounds when [[Abdullah Ahmad Badawi]] took over the post as Prime Minister. [[Mahathir bin Mohamad]], the ex-Prime Minister, still raises claims regarding Singapore's intentions in a number of matters, such as [[land reclamation]]. In [[26 April]] [[2005]], the two countries signed a settlement agreement concerning Singapore's land reclamation in and around the Straits of Johor.
Both countries exchanged many high-level visits in 2004 and 2005, including the visit to Singapore in [[12 January]] [[2004]] by Malaysian Prime Minister [[Abdullah Ahmad Badawi]] who had just taken over from [[Mahathir bin Mohamad]] in October 2003.
==Europe==
Singapore maintains a High Commission in the United Kingdom and embassies in Belgium, France, Germany and Russia.
===France===
[[Singapore]] and [[France]] maintain relatively strong [[Diplomacy|relations]]{{Fact|date=May 2008}}. This was strengthened in March 1999 on the agreement of a "Joint declaration for a strengthened partnership" during [[Prime Minister]] [[Goh Chok Tong]]’s visit to [[France]].
===Holy See===
[[Singapore]] and the [[Holy See]] opened [[Diplomacy|diplomatic relations]] in 1981. In 1986, [[Pope John Paul II]] made an official visit to [[Singapore]].
===Hungary===
In July 2005, the Prime Minister of the Republic of [[Hungary]], [[Ferenc Gyurcsány]] made an official visit to Singapore.
===Italy===
Although Italy and Singapore maintain diplomatic relations, Singapore does not have an embassy in Rome. During a visit to Rome in 2007, Minister Mentor [[Lee Kuan Yew]] stated that opening an embassy could be a challenge because trade and people flow between Italy and Singapore has not reached a significant level yet.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/276826/1/.html | title = Italian PM asks Singapore to set up embassy in Rome | author = Dominique Low | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 2007-05-17}}</ref>
===Russia===
[[Singapore]] and the [[Soviet Union]] (now [[Russia]]) entered into full [[Diplomacy|diplomatic relations]] on [[1 June]] [[1968]]. The two nations engaged in trade and economic cooperation. After the start of [[Vladimir Putin]]'s term, [[Singapore]] and [[Russia]] strengthened ties, participating in a number of regional meetings such as the [[ASEAN]]-Russia Summit and the [[ASEAN]] Regional Forum. Both [[Singapore]] and [[Russia]] are members of [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation|APEC]].
===United Kingdom===
[[Singapore]] engages with the [[United Kingdom]] on a wide range of international issues. In defence, [[Singapore]] and the [[United Kingdom]] share ties in the [[Five Power Defence Arrangements]] ([[Five Power Defence Arrangements|FPDA]]) along with [[Malaysia]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]].
==North America==
Within North America, Singapore maintains an embassy in the United States.<ref name = "good trip"/>
===United States===
[[Image:Lee Kuan Yew Cohen.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Then [[Senior Minister]] [[Lee Kuan Yew]] and Ambassador to the U.S. [[Chan Heng Chee]] meet with Secretary of Defense [[William S. Cohen]] during Lee's visit in 2000.]]
Singapore and the [[United States]] share a long-standing and strong relationship, particularly in defence, economic, health and education. The government of Singapore believes that regional security, and by extension, Singapore's security will be affected if the United States loses its resolve in Iraq.<ref name = "SE Asian">{{cite news | title = SE Asian security affected if US loses resolve in Iraq: Singapore | publisher = [[Channel NewsAsia]] | author = May Wong | date = 2007-05-05 | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/274352/1/.html}}</ref>
====Defence====
Singapore and the US are defence partners; Singapore buys a large number of weapon systems from the US, and has close ties such as the F-16 detachment stationed at [[Luke Air Force Base]]. In return, the [[United States Navy]] is allowed to use Singaporean naval facilities, including the newly constructed [[Changi Naval Base]] designed with USN [[aircraft carrier]]s in mind.<ref name=statedept>{{cite web | author = | title = Background Notes - Singapore | url = http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/s/26825.htm |date=October 2003 | publisher = United States Department of State | accesseddate = 3 April 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author = | title = Our Bases | url = http://www.mindef.gov.sg/navy/assets_bases.html | date = | publisher = Republic of Singapore Navy | accesseddate = 3 April 2007}}</ref>
Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 1990, the United States military is permitted to use [[Paya Lebar Airbase]] and Sembawang wharves; a US naval logistic unit was established in Singapore in 1992.<ref name=statedept/>
The [[Regional Emerging Diseases Intervention Centre]] (REDI), opened on [[24 May]] [[2004]], is a joint US-Singapore collaboration to promote cooperation in tackling emerging infectious diseases. The centre facilitates the exchange of information and expertise on surveillance; prevention and control of, and research on, communicable and non-communicable diseases; and on bioterrorism concerns.
In July 2005, during his official visit to the [[United States]], Prime Minister [[Lee Hsien Loong]] and President [[George W. Bush]] signed a [[Strategic Framework Agreement]] (SFA) to strengthen defence and security cooperation. The Prime Minister again visited in the United States in May 2007.<ref name = "SE Asian"/>
====Trade====
In 2003, Singapore and the [[United States]] signed the [[United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement]] (USSFTA), which came into force in January 2004. This is the first [[free trade agreement]] into which U.S. entered with an East Asian country.
====Others====
In 1994, relations with U.S. were hampered for a brief period by the caning incident of American teenager [[Michael P. Fay]] who was convicted in Singapore for [[vandalism]].
In September 2005, Singapore [[Singaporean response to Hurricane Katrina|responded to the relief effort]] in the wake of [[Hurricane Katrina]] in U.S.. Four Singaporean [[CH-47 Chinook|CH-47 Chinook helicopters]] and 45 [[Republic of Singapore Air Force|RSAF]] personnel from a training detachment based in [[Grand Prairie]], [[Texas]] were sent to help in relief operations. They are operating out of [[Fort Polk]] in cooperation with the Texas Army National Guard.<ref>{{cite web | author = | title = RSAF Deployment to Assist in Hurricane Katrina Relief Operations | url = http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/sep/02sep05_nr.html | date = 2005-09-02 | publisher = MINDEF | accesseddate = 19 April 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = | title = RSAF Chinook helicopters help in US hurricane relief operations | date = 2005-09-02 | publisher = [[Channel NewsAsia]] | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/166195/1/.html}}</ref>
==South America==
Singapore does not maintain any embassies in South America.<ref name = "good trip"/>
==Oceania==
Singapore maintains a High Commission in Australia and New Zealand.<ref name = "good trip"/>
===Australia===
In July 2003, Singapore and [[Australia]] signed the [[Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement]] bringing closer economic ties.
In [[August 23]] [[2005]], Singapore and [[Australia]] signed a memorandum of agreement to allow [[Singapore Armed Forces]] to train on the [[Shoalwater Bay]] Training Area till 2009.
Singapore and Australia hold a biennial [[Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Conference]] (SAJMC) when ministers from both countries meet to discuss trade, defence and security. Both countries also collaborate in development assistance projects under the [[Singapore-Australia Trilateral Cooperation Program]] (SATCP) since 1996.
===New Zealand===
On [[1 January]] [[2001]], New Zealand and Singapore entered into a Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) to improve relations and encourage trade and investment.
==Africa==
Singapore maintains an embassy in Egypt and a High Commission in South Africa.
==International humanitarian effort==
* In December 2004, during the disaster wrought by the massive ''tsunami'' that hit Indonesia, the [[Singapore Armed Forces]] dispatched three [[Endurance class landing platform dock ship]]s - RSS ''Endurance'', RSS ''Persistence'' and RSS ''Endeavour'' off the coast of [[Meulaboh]], one of the worst hit areas where all road access was cut off. Onboard these ships were medical and engineering teams and volunteers with NGOs. The ships were also loaded with medical supplies and heavy equipment to help clear roads and debris. Six Chinook helicopters and two Super Puma helicopters were also dispatched to Aceh, two Chinook helicopters and two Super Puma helicopters to Phuket, Thailand. C130s were also dispatched to ferry relief supplies to tsunami-hit areas.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://app.mfa.gov.sg/internet/press/view_press.asp?post_id=1221 | format = press release | title = Statement by Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations in Geneva Mr Burhan Gafoor at the Ministerial Meeting on Humanitarian Assistance to Tsunami Affected Communities in Geneva on 11 January 2005 | date = 2005-01-11 | publisher = Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore}}</ref>
* In September 2005, Singapore [[Singaporean response to Hurricane Katrina|responded to the relief effort]] of [[Hurricane Katrina]] in the United States, by sending four [[CH-47 Chinook|CH-47 Chinook helicopters]] and forty-five [[Republic of Singapore Air Force|RSAF]] personnel.
* In the aftermath of the [[2005 Bali bombings]], the [[Singapore Armed Forces]] sent a medical team, comprising of two doctors, two nurses, and two paramedics to [[Bali]] to help treat victims of the blasts at the Sanglah Hospital. [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/171539/1/.html (CNA)]
* In October 2005, the [[Singapore Civil Defence Force]] dispatched a 44-member [[Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team]] to [[Pakistan]] to help in the relief and rescue operations following the [[2005 Kashmir earthquake]]<ref>{{cite news | title = PM Lee sends condolences to Pakistan, India over earthquake | date = 2005-10-09 | publisher = [[Channel NewsAsia]] | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/172542/1/.html}}</ref>
==International effort on anti-terrorism==
During 15-[[17 August]] [[2005]], Singapore hosted a multi-national maritime interdiction exercise, codename [[Exercise Deep Sabre]] as part of the [[Proliferation Security Initiative]] to address the proliferation of [[weapons of mass destruction]]. Launched at [[Changi Naval Base]] and conducted in the [[South China Sea]], the exercise involves some 2,000 personnel from 13 countries.<ref>{{cite news | publisher = [[Channel NewsAsia]] | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/163251/1/.html | title = Singapore hosts multi-national anti-WMD maritime exercise | date = 2005-08-15}}</ref>
Singapore hosted the [[Regional Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Conference]] from 21 - [[25 November]] [[2005]].
On [[6 May]] [[2004]], then Prime Minister [[Goh Chok Tong]] delivered a speech at the [[Council on Foreign Relations]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] titled ''"Beyond Madrid: Winning Against Terrorism"'', expressing Singapore's view on the global challenge against terrorism.<ref>{{cite news| publisher = [[Council on Foreign Relations]] | title = Beyond Madrid: Winning Against Terrorism | url = http://www.cfr.org/publication.html?id=7004 | date = 2004-05-06 | format = transcript}}</ref>
==International effort on anti-piracy==
In August 2005, [[Malaysia]], [[Indonesia]] and Singapore agreed to conduct joint anti-[[piracy]] patrols in the [[Malacca Strait]] to increase security in one of the world's busiest sealanes. {{Fact|date=March 2007}} [[Thailand]] later also joined in this effort.
==Consulates==
In addition to embassies or High Commissions, Singapore maintains consulates or honorary consulates in Austria, Bangledesh, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland (Permanent Mission in Geneva), Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States, and Vietnam.<ref name = "good trip"/>
==See also==
* [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore)]]
* [[International aviation agreements with Singapore]]
* [[International trade agreements with Singapore]]
* [[Singaporean diplomatic missions]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://www.mfa.gov.sg/ Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
* [http://www.mfa.gov.sg/internet/press/water/faq.html Water trade and Pedra Branca]
{{Asia topic|Foreign relations of}}
[[Category:Foreign relations of Singapore|Foreign relations of Singapore]]
[[Category:Foreign relations by country|Singapore]]
[[zh:新加坡外交]]