At this time, "the global governance structure is fragmented and coordination is difficult," said Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs K. Shanmugam at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly, which opened here on Tuesday.
Singapore is a small state that is vulnerable "even at the best of times. And these are not the best of times," he said.
Therefore, it is important to be "in an international environment where international law and institutions based on law can flourish" and dialogue can be used because "the parameters of the dialogue among states become crucial," he added.
The minister noted that it is also the responsibility of small states to"speak up against its violations," to achieve a collective sense of security.
There are "major beneficiaries of a stable international system," he said. "We need a predictable and stable, rule-based international system in order to survive."
According to him, this year, the 105-member Forum of Small States (FOSS) will commemorate its 20th anniversary with a High- Level Conference on Small States on Oct. 1, which will discuss the role of small states in international relations, peaceful settlement and commitment to the rule of law.-Philippines News Agency (September 30, 2012)
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