Singapore prioritises terrorism prevention in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian nations need to intensify their fight against religious militancy taking root in the region, including Myanmar’s Rakhine State, said Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan (Source: VNA)Singapore (VNA) – Southeast Asian nations need to intensify their fight against religious militancy taking root in the region, including Myanmar’s Rakhine State, said Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on December 5.
He made the statement at the 15th ASEAN lecture on “ASEAN: Next 50” at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute.
Balakrishnan stated that the weakening of the Islamic State (IS) in the Middle East and the recent occupation of the Philippine town of Marawi by IS-supporting gunmen have renewed concern that the region can become a magnet for militants.
According to him, several fighters returned to Marawi and several other areas in the region can become potential hotbeds for terrorists.
Singapore even has an anxiety that Rakhine state may become another sanctuary, another hotbed for extremism, he added.
Over the past year, the Philippines faced the region’s most serious militant violence, which began when hundreds of gunmen, including some from elsewhere in the region, occupied Marawi.
Indonesia and Malaysia say thousands of their citizens sympathise with IS and hundreds are believed to have travelled to Syria to join the group.
Indonesian authorities last year disrupted a plot by militants to launch an attack in Singapore.
Singapore will be chair of the 10-member ASEAN in 2018.-VNA
You should also see
Vietnam urged to build legal corridor for AI industry
Vietnam needs a policy on artificial intelligence (AI) to help this industry develop strongly, while minimising risks, according to insiders.
See more
World
Cambodia, Laos vow to boost bilateral ties
Cambodia and Laos vowed to boost their bilateral relations and cooperation for mutual benefits during Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith’s State visit to the neighbouring country on April 23-24.
World
Bank Indonesia raises interest rates to highest level in 7 years
Bank Indonesia (BI) on April 24 raised interest rates to their highest level in seven years.
World
Rail connects Vientiane, China's Guizhou province
The Guiyang-Laos tourist train will be launched on 8 May, signifying a pivotal step in boosting tourism and cultural ties between China and Southeast Asia.
ASEAN
ASEAN Future Forum 2024 looks to ensure comprehensive security for community
The ASEAN Future Forum 2024 (AFF 2024) entered its second plenary session in Hanoi on the afternoon of April 23, discussing ways to ensure comprehensive security for the people-centred ASEAN Community.
ASEAN
ASEAN Future Forum 2024 enters first session
The first session of the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 (AFF 2024) in Hanoi on April 23 focused on fast and sustainable growth for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
