WARSAW - Singapore is relevant in the world because it is successful, and it is important that it maintains that position, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is on an official visit to Poland.

Asked by Singapore reporters what he and Polish leaders discussed, he said they see Singapore as a success story and were interested in the country's political stability, good business environment and how the lives of Singaporeans were being improved.

Polish prime minister Donald Tusk also noted that when Poland seeks to co-operate with other countries, it wants to look for a successful model to work with.

"Then we're both contributing ideas, proposals, effort, energy and making things happen; we're not asking each other for grants or for help, and therefore it's much easier and much more fruitful and productive and fulfilling," said Mr Lee.

And, he said, that was a good position for Singapore to be in.

"It's important that Singaporeans understand this, because it's as a result of our success that we're relevant in the world," he said at the interview on Thursday.

"Other countries are interested in engaging us and doing business with us, and find us able to make a contribution, in ideas, in perspectives, information which they can take in, 'Ah, that tells me something about South-east Asia, about Asia, about how other small countries have managed their problems'," he said.

"So they can pick up something valuable, and I think we must never lose that position. Which is why I said don't assume we're cruising along. Work hard."

Mr Lee flew to the city of Gdansk on Friday together with Mr Tusk, and will wrap up his trip with a tour of the city's Deep Container Terminal.