Qatar and Singapore are working to create a strategic partnership that includes trade, energy, artificial intelligence, security, and sustainable development, making Qatar Singapore's second strategic partner in the Middle East.
This development occurred during the official visit of Lawrence Wong, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Singapore, to Doha from October 18 to 20, 2023. This trip marks his first official visit to the Middle East since assuming the premiership.
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Bilaterals and Future Cooperation
This meeting was the first time that the leaders of the two countries jointly chaired the 20-year history of the joint committee. This strategic partnership is expected to be officially launched during Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani's upcoming visit to Singapore.
The two sides identified artificial intelligence, digitalization, and emerging technologies as the pillars of bilateral cooperation and emphasized opportunities for collaboration in cybersecurity, digital government, research and development, and the development of artificial intelligence talents.
Strengthening Security Cooperation
The leaders of the two countries also welcomed the growing security cooperation, including in the defense industry, maritime security, and cybersecurity. They referred to a defense services agreement worth 1.5 billion Qatari riyals signed between Barzan Holdings Qatar and ST Engineering Singapore in February 2026 and emphasized the need for further collaboration in digital defense and maritime security.
Regarding regional developments, the leaders expressed serious concerns about the situation in the Middle East and appreciated Qatar's diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining navigation rights and freedoms under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to ensure that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains open, safe, and secure.
The two sides also emphasized strengthening cooperation between Qatar and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). They welcomed Qatar's status as a dialogue partner of ASEAN and called for continued efforts to establish an ASEAN-GCC free trade agreement during Singapore's presidency of ASEAN in 2027. They also look forward to the third ASEAN-GCC summit.
The tenth committee meeting will be held in Singapore on a date to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
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