PM Wong to visit Qatar, UAE in first trip to Middle East region since taking office

Last year, Singapore and the UAE marked 40 years of diplomatic ties. Both countries elevated bilateral relations with the Singapore-UAE Comprehensive Partnership in 2019, and co-operate in various fields including defence, energy and water sustainability.

Both Qatar and the UAE have robust economic relations with Singapore. In terms of trade, they are Singapore’s third largest and largest trading partner among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries respectively.

Singapore’s delegation to both countries includes Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan; Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and PMO will also be attending the visits.

Mr Wong will also meet overseas Singaporeans at receptions in Doha and Dubai, said the PMO.

In Mr Wong’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Trade) Gan Kim Yong will be the acting prime minister.