SINGAPORE ENJOYS TRUST FROM BOTH SIDES
Despite being 8,000km away, Singapore enjoys credibility and goodwill, and is trusted by both Israelis and Palestinians, Dr Balakrishnan said.
Singapore’s relationship with Israel dates back nearly 60 years, when Israeli advisers helped establish the Singapore Armed Forces.
For Palestinians, Singapore’s success in building a multiracial and multireligious society without natural resources offers inspiration for what peaceful coexistence can achieve.
“The fact that we have made a success of a united, diverse society without natural resources, this has been a point of fascination for both the Palestinians and the Israelis,” he said. “It has got to do with also showing that there is a better and more peaceful future possible.”
“We make common cause and we are better off because we support each other rather than resort to violence, disrespect, discourtesy with each other,” he said.
Another reason Palestinians also welcome Singapore is because it has “made no secret that we also have a relationship with Israel”.
“We take a long-term perspective and we maintain honest relationships … even the fact that we have a good, functional relationship with Israel, they also view that as useful,” he said.
“Although I would never say that we are going to be transmitters of their messages, because they have their own ways; nevertheless, their view is that what we think, what we say, how we vote at the UN and our actions that we take are relevant to them.”
