Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (Photo: straitstimes.com)Hanoi (VNA) – Singapore andAustralia share many common interests on the East Sea issue, said Singaporean PrimeMinister Lee Hsien Loong, stressing that both countries uphold principlessuch as the importance of international law and freedom of navigation, reportedthe Strait Times newspaper.
Writing in response to questions fromAustralian media on the East Sea issue, the Singaporean PM pointed to the manysimilar positions shared by the two non-claimant states.
"Like Australia, Singapore dependson a peaceful and stable region which supports and promotes free trade and openmarkets," he said.
He continued that Singapore andAustralia have a vital interest in freedom of navigation and overflight in theEast Sea. Both countries should continue to uphold the importance ofinternational law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He also noted thatinterested nations can help keep the situation under control by "observinginternational law and international norms, and agreeing to rules which minimisethe risk of incidents and escalation." - VNA
