Security and stability 'crucial for Asean trade to flourish'

Singapore

SECURITY and stability are crucial for trade to flourish, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Sunday (June 4). "We must be mindful that security and stability are preconditions and mutually reinforcing steps toward greater prosperity and progress," he said, at the closing session of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.

As Singapore assumes chairmanship of Asean next year, it will do its best to balance security and trade interests, Dr Ng said.