SINGAPORE: While nothing will be done to end the Middle East’s ongoing conflict in the near future, efforts should still be made to end it, according to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday ( Apr 15 ).
In a press conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, he claimed that little nations like Singapore and New Zealand can help to foster a worldwide discussion on the direction ahead by steadfastly defending their positions and continuing to push for a rules-based world order.
The first quit of Mr. Luxon’s Southeast Asian journey will be on Tuesday, when he makes his first official trip to Singapore.
I do n’t believe we are close to a world war, as Mr. Lee questioned whether the world was in danger of another World War and the potential role that small nations could play in heightened geopolitical tensions. I think it is a very disturbed world, and in particular, it ’s a very disturbed Middle East. ”
WORLDWIDE Implications
Over the weekend, Iran launched a direct assault on Israel for the first time, firing more than 300 weapons and robots. Most of the injury was absorbed by the United States, Britain, and Jordan, which only contributed to the attack’s reasonable deterioration in Israel.
“The conflict in Gaza continues to have implications more broadly, particularly in the Middle East, but it has actually had an impact on international politics and politicians. Certainly in Europe and America, and in this part of the world to, ” said Mr Lee.
It has seized the hearts of the people. They are quite annoyed by what’s happening, they have extremely strong feelings about it. ”
He argued that little nations must maintain their stances and plainly explain their opinions on what is or is not right in order to help “developing a global consensus on the way to go”.
The Middle East’s issues may be resolved. In the near future, he said, everything will solve the issues in the Middle East.
However, attempts can still be made to control the condition by easing tensions and attempting to encourage dialogue between parties, according to Mr. Lee.
Given the events of October 7 and what has transpired since therefore, he said, that is going to be quite difficult.
“ But if you do n’t try to do that, then you are saying the only way is the way of the sword, and I think that is going to lead to calamity for everybody, ” said Mr Lee.
Therefore, you must create some very terrible decisions if you do not want to cause suffering for your own people. You require very valiant and strong leadership to move your people toward a less risky location. ”
Part OF SMALL Nations
When the subject is being debated or voted on, he added that small countries should make their voices heard at international forums, such as regional ones like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) and global ones like the UN.
Small states are mainly required to do this because, according to Mr. Lee, their principles and vital national interests are in question as well as humanitarian considerations.
An international purchase that is peaceful, has a specific system in it, and allows countries big and small to coexist peacefully, is “our important national interest,” the statement goes; if possible, live up. And where there is a basis for making decisions that are objective rather than just based on the rule of law and “might is right”, ” he said.
Mr. Lee responded to another question about the necessity for smaller countries to extend their trading bases by stating that Singapore conducts business wherever it is and that “China is a very large market”.
At the same time, Singapore also seeks to enhance its teamwork and deal with other lovers, he added.
For this region of the world, I believe having an open place is important. one with links to America, to Europe, to India, to Australia and New Zealand. And to create those relationships so that you are able to cooperate omnidirectionally, ” said Mr Lee.
If there are ups and downs in one place, you ca n’t help being affected by them, but you might not be sucked out by them. ”