Singapore and Qatar have renewed their cooperation agreement on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-carbon technology, aiming to strengthen energy security and supply chains. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between QatarEnergy and Singapore's Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry was witnessed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha on Monday. The agreement comes as Qatar supplies around 25 per cent of Singapore’s total LNG imports, with 95 per cent of Singapore’s electricity generation relying on imported natural gas.
The two leaders also agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, making Qatar Singapore's second strategic partner in the Middle East. This decision was made during the ninth Qatar-Singapore High-Level Joint Committee (HLJC) meeting, the first in the committee's 20-year history to be co-chaired by the heads of both countries. They reaffirmed longstanding ties and welcomed growing cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
On defence, both nations noted a QR1.5 billion (US$411 million) agreement signed earlier this year between Qatar's Barzan Holdings and Singapore's ST Engineering. The leaders also expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and ensuring the safety of international shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Wong described the meeting as a significant milestone in bilateral relations, reflecting both countries' commitment to deepening cooperation.
During his visit to Qatar from Oct 18 to 20, Mr. Wong met with Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited cultural sites, and engaged with the Qatar Foundation on education and innovation. He is scheduled to depart for the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday for the second leg of his official visits.