Germany and Singapore have agreed to deepen cooperation in industrial AI, semiconductors, defence, cybersecurity, trade and green energy under an updated multi-year strategic partnership plan.
Germany and Singapore have agreed to expand their strategic partnership, with priorities including defence and security, trade and investment, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing and green energy. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the decision following talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Singapore on October 27, 2026. The two leaders agreed on an updated multi-year work plan to strengthen cooperation across several sectors.
A key focus is industrial AI, where both countries aim to combine their technological and industrial capabilities to support innovation and productivity. Cooperation will also cover semiconductors, quantum technology, space technology, green technologies and joint research. Singapore said the partnership could create opportunities for businesses and workers through collaborative projects, skills development and stronger links between German and Singaporean companies.
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The updated work plan covers five areas: political, defence and security cooperation; trade, investment, transport and urban development; digitalisation and AI; research, science, technology and innovation; and the energy transition, green economy and climate. The framework builds on the strategic partnership established in November 2024 and the bilateral Year of Innovation launched in 2026.
Defence and critical infrastructure protection are also central to the partnership. Merz said the two countries would deepen cooperation on cyber security and security policy, building on their existing collaboration in submarine technology. Germany will also join the Guiding Principles for Underwater Infrastructure Defence Exchanges (GUIDE), a voluntary initiative launched in Singapore to improve the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, including telecommunications cables and energy connections.
In trade and investment, both governments are seeking to strengthen business links and support cross-border economic activity. Bilateral trade between Germany and Singapore exceeded US$13 billion in 2024. Singapore is Germany’s largest trading partner in goods among European Union member states, while German businesses have an established presence in the city-state across manufacturing, engineering and technology.
Green energy and climate cooperation form another pillar of the updated plan. Both countries intend to pursue collaboration in clean technologies, energy transition and sustainable industrial development. Joint research and innovation initiatives are also expected to support the development of emerging technologies and strengthen industrial supply chains.
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The leaders further discussed geopolitical developments and support for Ukraine. Their discussions reflected a shared interest in maintaining international cooperation, protecting critical infrastructure and supporting an open, rules-based global trading system.
The expanded partnership comes as Germany seeks closer economic and technological links across the Indo-Pacific and Singapore works to broaden its international partnerships. The effectiveness of the updated plan will depend on translating its priorities into practical projects, business investment and research collaborations over the coming years.