Transcript of remarks by Singapore Foreign Minister, S. Jayakumar to the media after the 7th ASEAN Regional Forum, 27 Jul 2000, Royal Orchid Sheraton, Bangkok, Thailand

There is an increased comfort level compared to the first and second ARFs. I have noticed that participants are prepared to discuss quite frankly topics which three to four years ago were considered rather sensitive, or even matters of internal affairs. Secondly, the way in which the discussion took place also displayed a great comfort level. There was no animosity or sensitivity when matters of specific issues were raised.

As far as Singapore's participation is concerned, we had produced a paper at the Officials level on Preventive Diplomacy. Our objective was to advance the discussions on Preventive Diplomacy by mapping out certain principles and concepts. Of course, Preventive Diplomacy is not here yet at the ARF, we are still at the confidence-building mode. But it is important for participants in the ARF to have some common understanding, some clarification of Preventive Diplomacy. So Singapore's paper has been considered helpful in nudging this process of consensus-building in Preventive Diplomacy. What has been agreed on is that there will be an Inter-Sessional Group (ISG) chaired by Malaysia and Korea which will further refine this paper.