SINGAPORE: The leaders of Singapore and Australia on Wednesday (Oct 8) updated their bilateral partnership roadmap for the next 10 years, marking 60 years of diplomatic ties between both countries.
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said: “Prime Minister (Anthony) Albanese and I have earlier agreed and launched the upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) – one that is anchored in trust and will allow us to chart new frontiers together.”
Mr Wong is making his first official visit to Australia since taking office last year. The two prime ministers held the 10th Singapore-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting on Wednesday.
Mr Wong said CSP 2.0 will boost security cooperation and economic connectivity between both sides, strengthen cooperation in emerging areas that include space and artificial intelligence, and enhance their green partnership.
It will ensure that critical goods continue flowing between both countries, even during disruptions, something that Mr Wong said builds upon their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic when countries were scrambling for essential supplies.
“Many countries had imposed restrictions on exports, imports – and it was a very difficult time for both our countries. But because of the trust that we have between Australia and Singapore, we kept supply lines flowing between our two countries. We even had vaccine swaps to support one another,” he recounted.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the CSP, which has “delivered real and tangible benefits for both countries”, Mr Wong added.
These included more than 110 initiatives, such as the world’s first Digital and Green Economy Agreements, and the CSP forged closer links between businesses, with more than 5,000 Australian companies now using Singapore as a launchpad to access opportunities in the region, he noted.
“We have a significant flow of two-way travel – with people studying, working and living in our respective countries. Many have formed close ties and lifelong friendships. These people-to-people ties form the foundation of our partnership,” Mr Wong said.
Acknowledging the 60-year relationship between both sides, Mr Wong noted that Australia was one of the very first countries to recognise Singapore’s independence and establish diplomatic ties with it. “We are grateful for your friendship and steadfast support over the decades.”
Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said in a press release that under CSP 2.0, initiatives will be implemented across five pillars, notably peace and stability at home and in the region, economic connectivity, transitioning to net zero emissions to tackle global warming, forging new frontiers, and deepening friendships and capabilities between both sides.
Mr Wong said that the first CSP had seen a lot of progress and borne fruit over the last decade, so both sides are now building upon that foundation, with a “very ambitious agenda across so many different domains”.
“And the work has already started. The ministers have been meeting, the officials have been discussing. In fact, some of them shared with us that in fleshing out the agenda for CSP 2.0, it was a very natural and smooth conversation. And that shows, that speaks to the very clear and strong alignment in terms of the interest of the two countries,” he added.
Singapore and Australia share a robust and dynamic economic relationship, with bilateral trade between both sides reaching S$30.3 billion last year, making Australia one of Singapore’s top trading partners, MTI said.
Singapore is also the sixth largest foreign investor in Australia, with investments spanning sectors such as real estate, infrastructure and energy, the ministry added.
Dr Tan See Leng, Manpower Minister and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology who was part of Mr Wong’s delegation, noted both countries’ “strong and enduring partnership” that was “built on mutual trust and shared aspirations”.
“The launch of the CSP 2.0 marks a significant milestone in our bilateral relationship, as we deepen our collaboration across critical areas such as economic and supply chain resilience, energy transition and trade and investment facilitation,” he said.
He added that these initiatives reflected a shared commitment to addressing global challenges and seizing opportunities for sustainable growth.
In his remarks, Mr Wong also highlighted that it has been five decades since the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) started training in Australia.
“Generations of our servicemen and women have benefited from your hospitality and support. In turn, Singapore has always stood ready to help in difficult times – most recently during the Queensland floods earlier this year,” he said.
In response to a question from Australia's media, the prime minister said that Singapore sees Australia as “a resident power in Asia” and its continued presence contributes to stability and security for all countries in this part of the world.
“That is why we already have a strong defence partnership, but we are enhancing it further and providing more support and enhancing access to Singapore's air and naval bases. And this will enable Australia to deploy more of its forces in our part of the world,” he added.
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing had on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding for enhanced defence cooperation with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles.
Both sides agreed to enhance their respective militaries’ reciprocal access to defence facilities in their countries, step up cooperation in defence science and technology, logistics and supply chains, and also expand professional exchanges, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release.
Mr Chan, who was also part of Mr Wong’s delegation, noted that this year also marks the 35th anniversary of Exercise Wallaby, which is the SAF’s largest overseas training exercise.
“The experience of close and successful cooperation over the decades has generated a deep reservoir of trust between both defence establishments,” he said.
During the press conference, both prime ministers also addressed the network outages of Australian telco Optus – a subsidiary of Singapore’s telco Singtel – which led to the deaths of four people.
Mr Albanese said: “Yes, it was discussed. I raised the issue and we had a discussion.
“I thank Prime Minister Wong for the condolences that he offered to the families and his support for strong follow-up action.”
Mr Wong referred to the views he expressed on the issue in a recent interview. The Singaporean leader had sat down for an interview with Australian broadcaster ABC, which was released on Monday.
“The company Optus and its parent company, Singtel, operate commercially. But we expect them to behave responsibly and to comply with domestic laws wherever they operate, as I have stated,” he said.
Singtel will extend its full support to the ongoing independent investigation, he added.
“And I have no doubt that the company, together with the regulators and authorities (in Australia), will get to the bottom of this – identify the root cause, and make sure that something like that never happens again.”
Mr Wong said he fully understands the anger, frustration and outrage at what has happened because if it were to have happened in Singapore, he would feel the same way.
He added that he has extended his condolences to those affected by the outage, including the family members and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
Mr Wong will call on the Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn and meet the Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley on Wednesday afternoon, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
He is scheduled to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial and a reception for overseas Singaporeans hosted by the Singapore High Commission in Canberra, before departing for Auckland, New Zealand the following day.
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Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said: “Prime Minister (Anthony) Albanese and I have earlier agreed and launched the upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) – one that is anchored in trust and will allow us to chart new frontiers together.”
Mr Wong is making his first official visit to Australia since taking office last year. The two prime ministers held the 10th Singapore-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting on Wednesday.
Mr Wong said CSP 2.0 will boost security cooperation and economic connectivity between both sides, strengthen cooperation in emerging areas that include space and artificial intelligence, and enhance their green partnership.
It will ensure that critical goods continue flowing between both countries, even during disruptions, something that Mr Wong said builds upon their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic when countries were scrambling for essential supplies.
“Many countries had imposed restrictions on exports, imports – and it was a very difficult time for both our countries. But because of the trust that we have between Australia and Singapore, we kept supply lines flowing between our two countries. We even had vaccine swaps to support one another,” he recounted.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the CSP, which has “delivered real and tangible benefits for both countries”, Mr Wong added.
These included more than 110 initiatives, such as the world’s first Digital and Green Economy Agreements, and the CSP forged closer links between businesses, with more than 5,000 Australian companies now using Singapore as a launchpad to access opportunities in the region, he noted.
“We have a significant flow of two-way travel – with people studying, working and living in our respective countries. Many have formed close ties and lifelong friendships. These people-to-people ties form the foundation of our partnership,” Mr Wong said.
Acknowledging the 60-year relationship between both sides, Mr Wong noted that Australia was one of the very first countries to recognise Singapore’s independence and establish diplomatic ties with it. “We are grateful for your friendship and steadfast support over the decades.”
AN UPGRADED CSP
Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said in a press release that under CSP 2.0, initiatives will be implemented across five pillars, notably peace and stability at home and in the region, economic connectivity, transitioning to net zero emissions to tackle global warming, forging new frontiers, and deepening friendships and capabilities between both sides.
Mr Wong said that the first CSP had seen a lot of progress and borne fruit over the last decade, so both sides are now building upon that foundation, with a “very ambitious agenda across so many different domains”.
“And the work has already started. The ministers have been meeting, the officials have been discussing. In fact, some of them shared with us that in fleshing out the agenda for CSP 2.0, it was a very natural and smooth conversation. And that shows, that speaks to the very clear and strong alignment in terms of the interest of the two countries,” he added.
Singapore and Australia share a robust and dynamic economic relationship, with bilateral trade between both sides reaching S$30.3 billion last year, making Australia one of Singapore’s top trading partners, MTI said.
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Singapore is also the sixth largest foreign investor in Australia, with investments spanning sectors such as real estate, infrastructure and energy, the ministry added.
Dr Tan See Leng, Manpower Minister and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology who was part of Mr Wong’s delegation, noted both countries’ “strong and enduring partnership” that was “built on mutual trust and shared aspirations”.
“The launch of the CSP 2.0 marks a significant milestone in our bilateral relationship, as we deepen our collaboration across critical areas such as economic and supply chain resilience, energy transition and trade and investment facilitation,” he said.
He added that these initiatives reflected a shared commitment to addressing global challenges and seizing opportunities for sustainable growth.
ENHANCING DEFENCE TIES
In his remarks, Mr Wong also highlighted that it has been five decades since the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) started training in Australia.
“Generations of our servicemen and women have benefited from your hospitality and support. In turn, Singapore has always stood ready to help in difficult times – most recently during the Queensland floods earlier this year,” he said.
In response to a question from Australia's media, the prime minister said that Singapore sees Australia as “a resident power in Asia” and its continued presence contributes to stability and security for all countries in this part of the world.
“That is why we already have a strong defence partnership, but we are enhancing it further and providing more support and enhancing access to Singapore's air and naval bases. And this will enable Australia to deploy more of its forces in our part of the world,” he added.
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing had on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding for enhanced defence cooperation with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles.
Both sides agreed to enhance their respective militaries’ reciprocal access to defence facilities in their countries, step up cooperation in defence science and technology, logistics and supply chains, and also expand professional exchanges, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release.
Related:
Mr Chan, who was also part of Mr Wong’s delegation, noted that this year also marks the 35th anniversary of Exercise Wallaby, which is the SAF’s largest overseas training exercise.
“The experience of close and successful cooperation over the decades has generated a deep reservoir of trust between both defence establishments,” he said.
OPTUS OUTAGE
During the press conference, both prime ministers also addressed the network outages of Australian telco Optus – a subsidiary of Singapore’s telco Singtel – which led to the deaths of four people.
Mr Albanese said: “Yes, it was discussed. I raised the issue and we had a discussion.
“I thank Prime Minister Wong for the condolences that he offered to the families and his support for strong follow-up action.”
Mr Wong referred to the views he expressed on the issue in a recent interview. The Singaporean leader had sat down for an interview with Australian broadcaster ABC, which was released on Monday.
“The company Optus and its parent company, Singtel, operate commercially. But we expect them to behave responsibly and to comply with domestic laws wherever they operate, as I have stated,” he said.
Singtel will extend its full support to the ongoing independent investigation, he added.
“And I have no doubt that the company, together with the regulators and authorities (in Australia), will get to the bottom of this – identify the root cause, and make sure that something like that never happens again.”
Mr Wong said he fully understands the anger, frustration and outrage at what has happened because if it were to have happened in Singapore, he would feel the same way.
He added that he has extended his condolences to those affected by the outage, including the family members and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
Mr Wong will call on the Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn and meet the Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley on Wednesday afternoon, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
He is scheduled to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial and a reception for overseas Singaporeans hosted by the Singapore High Commission in Canberra, before departing for Auckland, New Zealand the following day.
Related:
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