S'pore and Australia to enter new chapter of cooperation in 2025

They will team up in fields such as renewable energy, Al and air connectivity

- Tan Tam Mei

 

Singapore and Australia will enter a new phase of partnership in 2025, with their leaders pledging to cooperate in fresh and strategic ways, amid geopolitical uncertainties.

These new areas of cooperation include the fields of renewable energy, supply chain resilience, artificial intelligence and air connectivity, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on March 5, adding that they fit well with the priorities of both countries.

"There is much more that our two countries can do together. After all, we are natural partners with complementary economies, (as well as) compatible world views and strategic perspectives on the region and on international affairs," said PM Lee, speaking at a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese shortly after the Singapore-Australia Annual Leaders' Meeting concluded in Melbourne.

Giving an update on the Singapore-Australia Green Agreement signed in 2022, PM Lee said that the effort which facilitates trade in environmental goods and services and the promotion of investment in the green economy has made significant progress.

Economy October On March 5, the leaders welcomed the signing of a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor memorandum of understanding, to encourage maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation, as well as a set of principles that both sides have jointly developed to guide cross-border electricity trade for the region.

PM Lee, who will be in Melbourne until March 6 to attend the Asean-Australia Special Summit, said that ministers and officials from both sides have been tasked to develop an "ambitious" plan for their next chapter of cooperation.

In 2025, the two countries will mark the 10th year since forging a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), as well as the 60th year of establishing diplomatic relations.