5-3-2024 (MELBOURNE) Singapore and Australia have committed to entering a new phase of partnership in 2025, focusing on fresh and strategic cooperation areas despite geopolitical uncertainties. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore announced on March 5 that the two countries would collaborate in renewable energy, supply chain resilience, Artificial Intelligence, and air connectivity. These areas align with the priorities of both nations.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after the Singapore-Australia Annual Leaders’ meeting in Melbourne, PM Lee emphasized the natural partnership between the two countries. He highlighted their complementary economies, compatible world views, and strategic perspectives on the region and international affairs.
PM Lee provided an update on the progress of the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement, which facilitates trade in environmental goods and services and promotes investment in the green economy. He also mentioned the signing of a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor Memorandum of Understanding, aimed at fostering maritime decarbonization and digitalization. Additionally, both sides jointly developed principles to guide cross-border electricity trade in the region.
PM Lee, who attended the Asean-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne until March 6, revealed that ministers and officials from both countries have been tasked with developing an ambitious plan for the next chapter of cooperation.
In 2025, Singapore and Australia will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Albanese referred to this new phase as “CSP 2.0,” emphasizing the unique depth and breadth of the relationship between the two countries.
Both leaders agreed that the next stage of their partnership should be ambitious, future-oriented, and pathfinding. It will encompass initiatives in sectors such as food security, energy security, and cyber and critical technologies.
The Asean-Australia Special Summit, held in Melbourne, coincided with rising geopolitical tensions and economic rivalry between the United States and China. It also took place amid ongoing conflicts in Myanmar, Ukraine, and Gaza. PM Lee and Mr. Albanese reiterated their commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, including the South China Sea. Negotiations for a Code of Conduct to prevent confrontations in the area are progressing slowly.
Australia has been actively increasing engagement with Asean in recent years. Its South-east Asian economic strategy, launched in 2023, aims to boost trade and investment with regional neighbors, particularly in sectors like clean energy.
PM Lee and Mr. Albanese discussed regional and geopolitical developments during their bilateral meeting and agreed on the importance of an open and inclusive rules-based multilateral order that supports Asean Centrality. Singapore has long supported Australia’s strengthening links with Southeast Asia and will continue to do so despite global uncertainty and economic challenges.
Singapore and Australia share close ties in defense, science, innovation, and economic trade. The two countries have a long-term defense and security partnership, with ongoing progress on joint programs. Singapore’s air force has significant detachments in Australia, while Australian ships and aircraft are welcome to visit Singapore. PM Lee expressed his anticipation for Australia’s new submarines to visit Changi Naval Base in due course.
In 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced the Aukus pact, a trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific. While the pact has raised concerns among some countries in the region, Singapore has expressed comfort due to its longstanding relationships with the three partners.
Since becoming Comprehensive Strategic Partners in 2015, Singapore and Australia have collaborated on over 100 initiatives in various sectors, including the digital and green economy.
Prime Minister Albanese praised PM Lee’s understanding of the region’s strategic circumstances and his commitment to building an open and stable region. PM Lee, who plans to step down later in 2024, was commended as an extraordinary leader for the region.
