Singapore, September 3 (AseanAll)  — Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Radosław Sikorski, paid an official visit to Singapore from 2 to 3 September 2024, according to Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On September 2, Radosław Sikorski called on Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. PM Wong and SM Teo welcomed the warm and longstanding ties between Singapore and Poland, and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Poland Foreign Minister met Singapore Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. Photo source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland

Sikorski met and was hosted to breakfast by Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on the morning of September 2, during which both Ministers reaffirmed the excellent relations between Singapore and Poland. 

Photo source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland

They discussed potential areas where bilateral cooperation can be further strengthened, such as food security, and agreed that there was more room for trade and investment ties to grow. 

Both Ministers also noted Singapore and Poland’s good cooperation at international fora, underpinned by a shared commitment to the rules-based international order and adherence to the principles of sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland, while in Singapore, Sikorski gave a lecture on Europe: Confronting 21st Century Imperialism at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, which is a renowned authority on global security, political risk, and military conflicts. In his speech, he mainly focused on the colonial and imperial nature of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Photo source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland

In this context, he noted that the successes of Poland and Singapore would not be possible without a wider framework, based on the principles of international order which superseded the imperialist play of powers. By supporting Ukraine, we are also defending the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which may be beneficial for all of us.

As Sikorski assessed, we all live in the neighbourhood of large, powerful, and sometimes unpredictable states with global ambitions. But to ensure the right to follow our own path, revisionist powers must be prevented from overthrowing the system based on international law. It may be flawed and outdated, but the answer to these weaknesses is reform, not war.

While in Singapore, Poland’s top diplomat recalled that imperialism in Europe, South America, Africa, and here in Asia always rewarded the few and oppressed the many. In contrast, multilateralism—though imperfect—is the only viable and just alternative for the global community.