Singapore and Qatar have agreed to work towards elevating their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, trade, and technology. The announcement was made during the ninth meeting of the High-Level Joint Committee (HLJC) held on October 19 in Doha, co-chaired for the first time by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The HLJC, established in 2006 to guide strategic ties between the two countries, highlighted Qatar as Singapore’s second strategic partner in the Middle East, alongside Saudi Arabia. The meeting involved ministers responsible for foreign affairs and industry, reflecting a broad-based approach to bilateral cooperation.
A key outcome of the meeting was the renewal of a long-term agreement to strengthen liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chains. First signed in 2023, the pact supports stable LNG procurement, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on carbon capture and storage technologies. This agreement underscores mutual efforts to secure energy resilience amid shifting global markets. Qatar is a major LNG producer and exporter, and the ongoing partnership is expected to benefit Singapore’s energy security.
Both countries also discussed expanding collaboration in emerging technological fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital resilience. The HLJC emphasized the importance of joint initiatives to develop AI talent and promote practical applications of advanced technologies. Defence cooperation is set to deepen as well, with a focus on digital defence and maritime security. This builds on a $470 million defence services agreement signed in February between Qatar’s defence investment arm Barzan Holdings and Singapore’s ST Engineering.
The meeting further welcomed Qatar’s recent designation as an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner, a platform that aims to foster closer ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both PM Wong and Emir Sheikh Tamim expressed optimism about strengthening regional partnerships through upcoming events such as the third ASEAN-GCC Summit and efforts to finalize a free trade agreement under Singapore’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2027.
PM Wong’s visit to Doha, the first leg of a five-day Middle East tour also including the UAE, included diplomatic engagements such as a ceremonial reception at the Amiri Diwan and discussions with key Qatari leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Qatar Foundation Vice Chair Sheikh Hind bint Hamad Al Thani. The two leaders reaffirmed warm bilateral relations and shared perspectives on regional and global issues.
Highlighting Qatar’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts, including US-Iran tensions and hostilities in Gaza, PM Wong emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to promote peace and stability. He affirmed Singapore’s solidarity with Qatar and expressed confidence in the country’s resilience and long-term economic prospects amid global uncertainties.
Emir Sheikh Tamim is expected to visit Singapore in the near future to formalize the strategic partnership between the two countries, further consolidating their collaboration across multiple sectors.