Israel–Singapore relations
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Israel–Singapore relations are foreign relations between Israel and Singapore. Relations between the two countries are extremely cordial, and they are known to share a Special Relationship. Both countries established diplomatic relations in May 1969.[1] Israel has an embassy in Singapore. Singapore is represented in Israel by a non resident ambassador based in Singapore (in the Foreign Ministry) and through an honorary consulate in Tel Aviv.
The two nations enjoy an extensive security relationship, with Israeli and Singaporean arms industries engaging in joint development and a large level of military trade between the two countries.[2]
Contents
Agreements
In 2005, the two countries signed a pact to ease the flow of goods and investments between the two countries during a visit to Israel by Singaporean Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong with members of the Israeli Cabinet as well as meeting Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon.[3]
Singapore was one of 41 countries that abstained from voting on the Resolution on “Status of Palestine in the United Nations” by the United Nations General Assembly on 29 November 2012 which granted Non-Member Observer State status to Palestine. In explaining the reasons for Singapore’s abstention, Senior Minister Masagos Zulkifli stated that Singapore believes “that only a negotiated settlement consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 242 can provide the basis for a viable, long term solution” and that “[b]oth sides have legitimate rights and shared responsibilities, and must be prepared to make compromises to achieve the larger good of a lasting peace”.[4]
Cooperation
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"We were relieved the Israelis were not defeated or our SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) would have lost confidence"
Lee Kuan Yew on the Six-Day War[5]
Business and trade
In 1990, the Singapore-Israel Chamber of Commerce commenced operation.[8]
In 2013, Singapore-Israel trade totalled S$1.956 billion, a 24.6% jump year-on-year from 2012, according to figures from the Embassy of Israel in Singapore and IE Singapore. Singapore is a net importer from Israel, and Israel exports mostly electrical equipment to Singapore, while Singapore exports mostly machinery and computer equipment to Israel. [9]
Military
In January 1968, before diplomatic relations were established, Singapore made an agreement to purchase 72 surplus AMX-13 tanks from Israel.[5]By the 1980s, Singapore had acquired over 350 of these tanks.
During the formative years of the Singapore Armed Forces in the late 1960s, Singapore sought advice and consultation from experienced militaries to form a credible military post-independence. Israel responded and provided doctrine and training development. Due to sensitivities in a Muslim-dominant region, Singapore kept the co-operation low-profile.
Over the years, Singapore and Israel enjoy close co-operation. Today, the two countries share military platforms, including early warning aircraft, anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile systems, aircraft and surveillance technologies.
Issue of Gaza
The Singaporean Government has expressed concern over Gaza Strip. In January 2009, the Singapore Foreign Ministry said of the Gaza War, "This is an extremely disturbing development," that "It can only exacerbate the already grave humanitarian situation."[10] Following the ceasefire, Singapore Foreign Ministry called it a "positive development" but remained "deeply concerned over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and urge all sides to take urgent steps to address the situation".[11]
In July 2014, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement on the recent murder of the three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank. The statement said: "Singapore strongly condemns the killing of the three Israeli teenagers, who were first abducted on June 12, 2014. We convey our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Israel. Perpetrators of such heinous crimes must be swiftly brought to justice".[12]
In the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict, the Minister for Foreign Affairs K. Shanmugam said that the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas has "deliberately used civilians as (human) shields" and was responsible for rejecting the 15 July 2014 Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire.[13] In the same speech to parliament, he also said that Hamas had been consistently launching rocket attacks at Israel, numbering over 2,000 missiles at one point, and this was what prompted the start of Israel's operation to destroy these rocket-launching sites, the smuggling tunnels and the munitions stockpiles to prevent attacks on Israel civilians.
See also
References
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- ↑ http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/media_centre/press_room/if/2012/201212/infocus_20121201.html
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- ↑ http://itrade.gov.il/singapore/2014/01/17/singapore-israel-trade-hits-almost-s2-billion-2013/
- ↑ http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=381480
- ↑ http://www.straitstimes.com/print/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_327793.html
- ↑ http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/singapore-strongly/1225712.html
- ↑ http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/media_centre/press_room/pr/2014/201408/press_20140508.printable.html?status=1
External links
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