MFA Press Statement: Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K Shanmugam to Bali, Indonesia for the 16th Ministerial Conference and Commemorative Meeting of the 50th Anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement, 25-26 May 2011

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law, K Shanmugam attended the first day of the 16th Ministerial Conference and Commemorative Meeting of the 50th Anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), in Bali, Indonesia today. Minister Shanmugam delivered a speech in which he noted the continued relevance of the NAM and stressed the importance for NAM to hold true to its core principles of an independent voice and unity in diversity, while remaining lean and flexible. The full text of the speech is attached.

Minister Shanmugam also made separate introductory calls on his Malaysian counterpart Dato' Sri Anifah Hj. Aman and Bruneian counterpart His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah on the sidelines of the conference today. Minister Shanmugam noted the warm relationship and good progress made in bilateral cooperation with both countries.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
25 MAY 2011

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MINISTER K SHANMUGAM'S STATEMENT AT THE 16TH NAM MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE AND COMMEMORATIVE MEETING OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NON ALIGNED MOVEMENT, BALI, INDONESIA, 24-27 MAY 2011

Honourable Chair, and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia,
Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Chair of the NAM,
Excellencies,

1     Last Saturday, I was sworn in as Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs. It gives me particular pleasure that my first overseas trip as Foreign Minister is to attend the 16th Ministerial Conference and Commemorative Meeting of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Non Aligned Movement in Indonesia. Let me first thank Indonesia for the excellent organisation and warm hospitality that has been extended to my delegation and me. In particular, I would like to congratulate Pak Marty Natalegawa for his skilful chairmanship of the conference. I would also like to commend Egypt for its able stewardship as Chair of the NAM.

2     It is most appropriate that we are once again gathered in Indonesia today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of NAM. We would all remember that the foundation for the establishment of NAM was laid in Indonesia at the Bandung Conference 56 years ago. At that time, much of the world was divided between the Eastern and Western bloc of the Cold War. But five visionary leaders including President Nasser of Egypt and President Sukarno of Indonesia offered a way forward for countries that did not want to live in the shadows of the superpowers. In his stirring speech at the First Asian-African Meeting in Bandung, President Sukarno declared that the time had come for the people of Asia and Africa, representing more than half the human population of the world, to "inject the voice of reason into world affairs". At that historical meeting, the Bandung Principles were established. These principles, which include respect for fundamental human rights and the principles of the UN Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, recognition of the equality of all races and of the equality of all nations large and small, non-aggression, peaceful settlement of disputes, promotion of mutual interests and cooperation, and respect for justice and international obligations, were then whole-heartedly embraced by the leaders of 29 states, many of which were newly independent. This set of simple yet enduring principles remains relevant today as the guiding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement.

3     Today, the NAM boasts of 120 members, or two thirds of the UN membership. This is testimony that the Movement remains a key player in the international arena and a force to be reckoned with. On this note, I would like to extend my felicitations to the NAM's newest members, Azerbaijan and Fiji. Last but not least, I wish to thank Serbia for offering to host an official commemorative event in September in Belgrade, which was the host of the First NAM Summit.

Mr Chairman,

4     The theme for this meeting: "Shared Vision on the Contribution of NAM for the Next 50 Years", befits the forward looking nature of the NAM's founding fathers. It presents us with a timely opportunity to reflect on the future of the Movement.

5     In the last 50 years, the world has undergone seismic transformation from being bipolar during the Cold War, to becoming unipolar after the collapse of the Soviet Union and now multipolar. Yet, NAM has maintained its relevance and vitality throughout. It has been able to do this because it has kept true to the principles on which it was founded -- independence, freedom and equality and the pursuit of peace - while adapting to changing international realities. Essentially, we have preserved and expanded our cooperation by recognising our common humanity whilst respecting each other's distinctive characteristics.

Mr Chairman,

6     As we enter an increasingly complex and tumultuous world, it is important that we closely examine ways in which NAM can continue to stay relevant and contribute.

7     First, we need to remind ourselves of what the NAM had always stood for: to be a distinct and independent voice in the international arena, not beholden to any particular camp or ideology. A firm proponent of an unbiased international playing field, the NAM has always been strongly committed to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. Looking ahead for the next 50 years, it is essential that the NAM continues to hold true to its core principles, for it is precisely NAM's independent voice that distinguishes it from other groupings and enables it to offer a unique value proposition in a world of growing uncertainty and ambiguity.

8     Second, over the past 50 years, the strength of the NAM has always been its "unity in diversity". This solidarity among all 120 members, and its ability to accommodate the views and concerns of each and every one of its members, is what underpins the NAM's unique resilience. We should continue to judiciously preserve and protect this inclusivity. To do this we should continue to keep the Movement's focal point in New York, where most of our members are represented. We should also continue to guard against allowing any particular view, any rigid standpoint, or any sub-group from dominating our agenda. Only by doing so would we be able to ensure that the NAM's credibility is preserved and that it continues to command the respect and attention of the world. We must remember that the NAM's voice is both magnified and underpinned by the fact that we are able, through democratic dialogue, mutual respect and tolerance for diversity, to overcome differences and achieve true consensus on issues of importance.

9     Third, even as the NAM holds fast to its core principles, we should aim to be as lean and flexible as possible, both in our structure and discourse, in order to navigate the evolving global situation while keeping all members onboard. We should therefore avoid duplication and unnecessary structures. We should also keep our energies focused on the most important and forward-looking concerns, and evaluate where we can make the most constructive and meaningful contributions.

10     In conclusion, Mr Chairman, Singapore believes that the NAM will remain an important player and voice in the international community. NAM will continue to play an important role in addressing the complex challenges that we face. It is our "Shared Vision" and our unique ability to embrace diversity and change, while holding true to our core principles, which will stand us in good stead for the next 50 years of the Movement.

Thank you.

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