ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies the manner in which Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organized and rationalized as well as the country's publicly stated policy principles and goals. In addition, it identifies the major arena where the country's foreign policy is executed. The Ministry's desks are geographically demarcated and the major sections deal with North America, Europe, East Asia, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Middle East and Africa. The Policy, Planning and Analysis Directorate are generally tasked with policy formulation on a day-to-day basis. The Minister, who is part of the executive Cabinet comprising fifteen members at the time of writing, has overall responsibility over the Ministry. The Singapore Foreign Service does also have a core of career diplomats who man the Ministry and regularly assume senior appointments, especially in overseas missions. The Singapore government's clearly articulated position on foreign assistance programmes is that it is prepared to offer technical assistance and training rather than outright monetary awards.
