Singapore: Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has stressed the importance of enhancing the collective resilience of ASEAN Plus Three to effectively handle future crises. He highlighted the significance of developing complementarity, as well as boosting trade, investment, connectivity, and infrastructure within the group.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Balakrishnan conveyed these priorities during discussions with the Plus Three partners, which include China, Japan, and South Korea. He remarked on ASEAN's vital role as a platform for open and meaningful dialogue in the region, as demonstrated by its ability to convene a wide range of external partners.

Dr Balakrishnan is attending the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related events in Kuala Lumpur, which are being held from July 8 to 11. The 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting was one of the key engagements that took place during these meetings.

In addition, Dr Balakrishnan expressed his pleasure in welcoming new foreign ministers to the AMM. This includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, the latter of whom co-chaired the ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting with Dr Balakrishnan. He emphasized Singapore's commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership, particularly in the digital and green economic sectors.