On 16 May 2014, Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam opened the 2nd session of the 12th Parliament.

Among other matters, he said: " Our plans for the future reflect our determination to keep adapting, improving and upgrading ourselves. But amidst these changes, some things remain constant: Singapore will always be a small country, constantly navigating dangers and threats in an uncertain world. Recent events in Ukraine, as well as tensions and maritime disputes nearer home in East and Southeast Asia, remind us that we must never take our safety and security for granted."

After the session opening ceremony Ambassador of Ukraine Pavlo Sultansky, who participated in the event, personally thanked the Head of the State for Singapore's support of Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression.