Singapore and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held a meeting to review and strengthen their bilateral cooperation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an international order based on rules and multilateral trading systems. This meeting was an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their commitment to active and responsible cooperation in the international community.
Review of Bilateral Cooperation and Past Agreements
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore announced that in this meeting, bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it, as well as the progress made from previous agreements, were discussed. Additionally, the cooperation established under six Technical Working Committees (TWCs) in the fields of information and communications technology, security, trade, legal, sustainability, and social development was addressed.
Increasing Cooperation and Qatar's Role
Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing the level of cooperation between Singapore and the Gulf Cooperation Council, including through the enhancement of the existing free trade agreement between the two parties. They also welcomed Qatar's acceptance as a dialogue partner of the ASEAN Charter in July 2026 and looked forward to the ASEAN-GCC Foreign Ministers' meeting in New York in September, which will be co-chaired by Singapore and Bahrain.
In this context, both sides expressed hope that the third ASEAN-GCC summit, which will be held during Singapore's presidency of ASEAN in 2027, will lead to deeper cooperation between the two regions.
Security Concerns and Maritime Threats
Both sides expressed their serious concerns regarding the increasing tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East and emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and sustainable solution. They also praised Qatar's diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and reduce tensions.
During this meeting, concerns were raised about the ongoing threats to maritime security and international shipping in the region, including Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea that disrupt trade and threaten safety and freedom of navigation. Both sides emphasized that navigation rights and freedoms must be respected in accordance with international law.
Implications of International Cooperation
Both sides also stressed the importance of restoring safe and unobstructed passage for ships and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz and highlighted the common interests and perspectives that Singapore and Qatar share as small countries. This cooperation takes shape through their active participation in the Forum of Small States (FOSS) and the Global Governance Group (3G).
At the end of this meeting, the Singaporean side expressed its condolences on the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father of the Emir of Qatar. The fourth IMM meeting is scheduled to be held in Singapore in 2027.
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