Singapore, S. Korea to work towards upgrading ties to a strategic partnership

Milestone aimed for 2025 marks 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries

- Chang May Choon

In a troubled world, partnerships between like-minded countries are more important than ever, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and in that vein, Singapore and South Korea are deepening and widening their relationship in areas from start-ups to food safety.

Both will work towards upgrading ties to a strategic partnership in 2025. It will be a timely milestone, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, PM Wong said at a joint press conference with visiting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct 8.

“The upgrade is not just a change in name, it also means more substantial cooperation,” said PM Wong.

For one thing, the two countries are looking to upgrade the Korea-Singapore Free Trade Agreement to better meet the needs of their economies in today’s digital age, he said.

The trade pact, which eliminates more than 90 per cent of tariffs for Singapore’s exports to South Korea, entered into force in March 2006. It covers goods such as motor vehicles, mechanical equipment and minerals.

Both sides also hope to expand an existing air services agreement to ride on the strong demand for air travel.

This agreement was last expanded in November 2019 to allow more flights between Singapore and South Korea, and more connections through third countries. Singapore and South Korea are also discussing ways to widen cooperation in areas such as defence, education, climate change, artificial intelligence, cyber security and the digital economy.

“I look forward to making substantial progress on all of these issues in the coming months,” said PM Wong.

“I am confident that the bilateral cooperation between Korea and Singapore will continue to grow from strength to strength. And I look forward to working closely with President Yoon to take our bilateral ties to greater heights,” he added.