| Date: | June 26, 2012 | Time: | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | |
| Speaker(s): | Dr Eulalia Han Energy Studies Institute National University of Singapore |
Venue: | Middle East Institute (Seminar Room) Tower Block Level 2, Bukit Timah Campus National University of Singapore 469A Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259770 |
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ABSTRACT
The relationship between Singapore and Israel is rooted in, what both countries believe to be, shared values and perceptions. This relationship, however, has faced criticisms from both state and non-state actors, particularly from the Southeast Asian region, who are supporters of the Palestinian cause. While Singapore maintains a close relationship with Israel, this relationship should be understood from the perspective of practical diplomacy, rather than a special relationship that is based on shared values. It is important to shed light on this aspect of Singapore’s foreign policy: Singapore remains consistent in its diplomatic relations in that economic interests trump involvement in political rows. Hence, while Singapore maintains strong diplomatic ties with the State of Israel, it continues to vote in favour of the ‘Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine’ Resolution at the United Nations (UN), the main UN Resolution that guarantees the restoration of Palestinian rights.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Eulalia Han is a Fellow at the Energy Studies Institute, National University of Singapore. She has lectured, tutored and designed course materials for undergraduate students and also worked as a Policy Officer with the Department of Emergency Services in Queensland, Australia. Her research interests include political Islam, the Israel-Palestine conflict, socio-political aspects of energy security, and conflict and security with a particular focus on the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.
