Singapore and Qatar renew energy pact to strengthen LNG cooperation, move towards strategic partnership

They stressed the need to uphold navigational rights and freedoms under international law, and to ensure that international shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, remain open, safe and secure.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Mr Wong described the meeting as an important milestone in bilateral relations.

He said the decision to co-chair the HLJC at the leaders’ level reflected the importance both countries placed on their relationship and their determination to deepen cooperation.

“Singapore and Qatar are both small states navigating an increasingly troubled world. We share a strong interest in keeping our economies open, strengthening our resilience, and building a more secure and prosperous future for our peoples,” he said.

Mr Wong is in Qatar from Oct 18 to 20 as part of a two-country visit to the Middle East, his first to the region as prime minister.

On Sunday, he met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani, who hosted him to an official dinner.

Mr Wong also visited the National Museum of Qatar, where he learnt about the country’s history and cultural heritage.

On Monday, Mr Wong visited Qatar Foundation and met its vice-chairperson Sheikha Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani, with whom he exchanged views on education, research and innovation.

He is scheduled to attend a reception for overseas Singaporeans later on Monday before departing for the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday for the second leg of his official visits.