Qatar and Singapore Express Deep Concern Over the Situation in the Middle East
Both sides announced elevating relations to a strategic partnership, focusing on energy, cybersecurity, and regional cooperation.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Doha, October 19 (KUNA) – Qatar and Singapore expressed deep concern today, Monday, over the situation in the Middle East, commending the continuous diplomatic efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar to facilitate dialogue and de-escalate tensions in the region. This was stated in a joint statement issued on the occasion of the ninth meeting of the High-Level Joint Higher Committee between the two countries, chaired by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong.
Both sides affirmed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and ensuring that international maritime navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, remains open, safe, and secure, as well as guaranteeing the safety of seafarers and vessels in line with relevant international conventions. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to a rules-based international order and multilateralism to address global challenges collectively.
The statement noted that, building on the solid foundations of cooperation and mutual trust between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Singapore, the two parties agreed to work toward elevating bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, with Qatar becoming Singapore’s second strategic partner in the Middle East.
Both sides welcomed the positive outcomes of the third meeting of the Implementation Follow-up Mechanism of the High-Level Joint Higher Committee, held in Doha in September 2026, and reiterated the importance of this mechanism in facilitating regular follow-up and translating key decisions and agreements issued by the Committee into practical steps. They encouraged continued communication at both high-level and sectoral levels, expressing their shared desire to expand and deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, sustainable development, security, education, social development, and human capital development.
They emphasized the importance of establishing reliable, secure, and responsible digital and artificial intelligence systems, including cooperation in cybersecurity and enhancing digital resilience. They also encouraged relevant authorities to continue exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in digital defense, maritime security, and the exchange of expertise, with the aim of enhancing the capacities of both countries to confront challenges and ensure their security, as well as to address evolving traditional and non-traditional security threats.
The two parties welcomed the renewal of the memorandum of understanding between QatarEnergy and Singapore’s Ministry of Energy and Industry regarding cooperation in the field of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-carbon technologies. The statement highlighted that the memorandum underscores both sides’ commitment to facilitating stable supply chains for LNG and enhancing energy security, particularly in light of recent developments in the markets.
The two parties welcomed Qatar’s acquisition of the status of Sectoral Dialogue Partner with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), expressing their aspiration to strengthen cooperation between Qatar and ASEAN, as well as between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including through holding the third ASEAN-GCC Summit and continuing efforts to conclude a free trade agreement between ASEAN and the GCC during Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027.
Looking ahead, they anticipated the official visit by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to Singapore, considering it an important opportunity to launch the strategic partnership between the two countries. (End) S S S / M A H A
