- Singapore and France elevate ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- 13 agreements signed to deepen collaboration in defense, tech, and energy.
- New cooperation areas include quantum tech, civil nuclear, and maritime.
Aviation and maritime, quantum computing and civil nuclear energy are some of the new sectors where Singapore and France will collaborate, as they elevate their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) – the highest achievable level of cooperation.
In addition to these common interests, both nations strongly value multilateralism, stated Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, emphasizing the importance of collaborating for a new multilateral framework. He also welcomed increased French involvement in the area, highlighting its status as a Pacific power.
PM Wong and French President Emmanuel Macron revealed the long-awaited enhancement on Friday (May 30), amid the French leader's two-day trip to Singapore that started on Thursday. This occurs as Singapore and France celebrate six decades of diplomatic ties.
The two leaders also observed the signing of 13 agreements within the framework of the CSP.
“In today’s uncertain world, it is even more important for like-minded countries like France and Singapore to work together,” said PM Wong.
He outlined five domains in which the CSP will enhance the enduring relationship between the two nations: defense; the economy; emerging and frontier technologies; energy and sustainability; and exchanges between individuals.
Defense has consistently been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, stated PM Wong. France accommodates Singapore’s air force at Cazaux Air Base, while Singapore aids French military operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
The nations will strengthen collaboration in fields like deployments and defense technology. They will additionally strengthen security collaboration, which includes setting up a dialogue among senior officials.
Also Read: Jordan-Turkey Business Council Urges Stronger Trade, Investment Ties
Additionally, efforts will be increased to enhance economic collaboration and connectivity by utilizing an established digital and green partnership, along with two new agreements concerning aviation and maritime transportation.
Regarding emerging and frontier technologies, Singapore and France have intensified collaboration over time, covering new domains like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum. They will enhance digital collaboration and broaden research partnerships via the Joint Committee on Science and Innovation.
The two nations will enhance their already “robust exchanges” in energy and sustainability through two new agreements regarding civil nuclear energy collaboration. These will assist Singapore in leveraging French knowledge to investigate the use of nuclear energy, PM Wong stated.
Regarding people-to-people exchanges, PM Wong observed a growing French presence in Singapore and the opposite. Under the CSP, the two nations will enhance cooperation among universities, in vocational and technical education, as well as in the arts and culture.