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Bilateral Relations
Bilateral relations refer to the diplomatic relations between two countries. Singapore has established good bilateral relations with many countries since its independence in 1965. Singapore established bilateral relations with developed countries such as Japan, the USA and Germany in the 1970s. This allowed the developed countries to share their advanced technology skills with Singapore. Singapore also established good bilateral relations with its closest neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia. This played a key role in Singapores economic growth. Singapore also has established good bilateral relations with developing countries such as Nepal and Vietnam. Singapore has sent doctors, nurses and teachers to these countries to assist them in the medical and educational areas. In 2004, Aceh (a province of Indonesia) was very badly affected by the Asian Tsunami. Singapore immediately provided relief materials to the affected people as Indonesia did not have enough resources to provide assistance to them. This is but one example of how Singapore has helped other countries in times of need through good established bilateral ties. Singapore has been a good friend to the countries it has bilateral relations with and this has earned Singapore international respect. The countries that Singapore has helped also see Singapore as their friend and so have no reason to harm Singapore. Countries geographically connected often form organisations to improve regional relations. These regional organisations help to combine the strength of the individual countries and place them in a better position when negotiating with other countries. Examples of regional organisations are the European Union (EU), the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Regional Relations
ASEAN ASEAN was formed in 1967 with five countries in Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Singapores then Foreign Minister Mr S Rajaratnam signed the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok on 8th August 1967, together with his four counterparts from the other countries. The other five Southeast Asian countries Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia joined ASEAN between 1984 and 1999. Why was ASEAN formed? In the 1960s, Southeast Asia was going through some tumultuous times: Singapore and Malaysia were going through a difficult period in their relations following the separation of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965. Indonesia was going through a difficult time as its leader President Sukarno was overthrown by General Suharto in 1966. Relations between Malaysia and the Philippines were tense as both of them claimed Sabah. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia were deeply embroiled in the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was having a serious effect on Thailands economy. Given these difficult situations, the leaders of Southeast Asian countries saw the necessity for a regional organisation that would help to maintain peace and stability in the region. ASEAN was thus formed. The three aims of ASEAN are: Promote economic, social and cultural development of the region. Protect the peace and stability of the region. Provide opportunities for member countries to discuss and resolve differences
International Relations