'Important for cool heads to prevail', says Vivian as ASEAN neighbours tackle haze issue
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Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for calm as Singapore and Indonesia address the regional haze problem. Speaking in Jakarta, he noted that different priorities and approaches between the nations are expected. He emphasized the need for direct and honest communication to find constructive solutions. Balakrishnan stated that a collective approach is needed to solve the issue. He mentioned that haze has affected Southeast Asia for nearly thirty years.
JAKARTA — Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has called for "cool heads to prevail" as Singapore and Indonesia work together to tackle the long-running regional haze problem.Speaking to reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday (Oct 28), he said differences in priorities and approaches were to be expected, but both countries needed to maintain open communication and seek constructive solutions."Precisely at a moment like this, it's important for cool heads to prevail, for direct, honest, candid, constructive conversations to be had, and for us to look for a collective approach."Dr Balakrishnan noted that haze has been a problem in Southeast Asia for nearly three decades, adding: "That's far too long, and we do need to find solutions."And in the case of Singapore, we are also exploring enhancing our legislative policy tools to keep companies accountable and to make sure that everyone does what they need to do.
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