Updated: 08/03/2012 07:47

Foreign Affairs Minister Shanmugam calls for greater unity im ASEAN

®Copyright MediaCorp

Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has called for solidarity in the ASEAN grouping.

He said that ASEAN has to be bigger than any single issue.

Mr Shanmugam was speaking at a reception to mark ASEAN Day, which was attended by some 330 guests.

Mr Shanmugam noted that ASEAN's failure to issue a Joint Communique at the end of a ministerial meeting last month, has dented the grouping's credibility.

He added that ASEAN will be judged by the world on its ability to manage a consensus on the South China Sea.

When considering the problems facing the region, Mr Shanmugam said member states have to recognise the interdependence between national and regional interests, and marry the two interests.

Looking ahead, Mr Shanmugam said a successful ASEAN needs to be a people-centred community, and requires the participation of young people.