Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Lee said Singapore will continue to promote and uphold a rules-based region to better deal with emerging security challenges such as cybersecurity, transnational crime and terrorism. It will also boost regional economic integration and enhance connectivity to ensure ASEAN’s prosperity and increase its competitiveness, Lee said. Singapore will seek innovative ways to utilize digital technologies and equip ASEAN citizens with skills and capabilities Lee added. Under Singapore’s chairmanship, ASEAN will also continue to build relations with external partners, particularly by organizing special summits in Australia and India, he said.

Singapore will continue promoting cooperation at ASEAN-led forums including ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, ARF, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the East Asia Summit.