The document discusses Singapore's participation in ASEAN and the benefits of regional diplomacy. It describes Singapore's contributions, including helping establish the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in response to fires in Indonesia. It launched the Initiative for ASEAN Integration to help narrow economic gaps. Singapore also supported the ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement to increase competitiveness. Regional relationships allow countries to express views, resolve conflicts peacefully, and provide mutual assistance in times of need. Regional diplomacy is more efficient than bilateral and manages relationships more easily than international due to geographical proximity and similar cultures.