Small nations must defend themselves: PM Lee

SINGAPORE - The crisis in Ukraine is a reminder that small countries must defend themselves and cannot rely solely on international treaties or the promises of others, said prime Minister Lee hsien Loong on Thursday.

That is why Singapore must always maintain a strong Singapore Armed Forces and home team, he said in a Facebook post.

At the same time, it must also have a capable Ministry of Foreign Affairs "to strengthen our ties with friends and allies", he added.

"Only then can Singapore be safe and secure."

Mr Lee's post comes a day after Foreign Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam also drew on the Ukraine example during the debate on his ministry's budget in parliament to underline the vulnerability of small countries in international politics.

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