\n<\/p>\n
The leaders also welcomed growing cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and emerging technologies, including cybersecurity, digital government, research and development, and AI talent development.<\/p>\n
The leaders also welcomed the strengthening of security engagement, including in the defence industry, maritime security, and cybersecurity.<\/p>\n
On defence, both noted a QR1.5 billion (US$411 million) agreement signed in February 2026 between Qatar’s Barzan Holdings and Singapore’s ST Engineering.<\/p>\n
Both sides also looked forward to Emir Sheikh Tamim’s state visit to Singapore as an important opportunity to launch the Qatar\u2013Singapore Strategic Partnership, the HLJC joint statement said.<\/p>\n
The leaders also expressed serious concern over the situation in the Middle East and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in promoting regional peace and stability.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n In a Facebook post on Monday, Mr Wong described the meeting as an important milestone in bilateral relations.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Mr Wong also visited the National Museum of Qatar, where he learnt about the country’s history and cultural heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n