Yesterday Singapore Parliament held a meeting where the Russian military aggression in Crimea was discussed. Here is the speech of K. Shanmugam, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Law.

Madam Speaker,
1. I thank the Honourable Members for their comments.

2. The task for MFA is to chart a course in an uncertain world, a course that best protects our country, our economy and advances our people’s interests.

3. How do we do it? First, build and maintain strong international network of friends; and actively participate in international organisations which are relevant to us; and support key regional organisations and platforms like ASEAN, EAS, and so on, and maintain strong relationships with our neighbours to the extent possible. I say that because it depends on principles of mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, and interests.

4. These principles have to be applied in the real world –…