Singapore, UAE to launch negotiations on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Wednesday that his country and the United Arab Emirates will launch negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

He made the remarks after meeting UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during Wong first visit to the UAE as prime minister. Wong visited Qatar before the UAE.

"During this difficult period in the Middle East, Singapore stands as a trusted friend to the UAE," Wong wrote on US social media company X.

He said the UAE is Singapore's largest trading partner in the Middle East, and that there is "strong potential to deepen cooperation in AI, digitalisation, energy, defence and space."

The agreement would create new opportunities for businesses and people in both countries, said Wong.

The two leaders also discussed regional developments, restoring peace in the Middle East and strengthening ties between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council ahead of Singapore's 2027 ASEAN chairmanship.

"Singapore and the UAE share vital interests and perspectives. In an increasingly troubled world, we achieve more together when we combine our strengths," he said.

The two sides exchanged three memorandums of understanding covering energy cooperation, water cooperation and disease vector control.

They also welcomed the establishment of nan energy task force under the Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum (ADSJF) to identify opportunities across the energy value chain, including trading, infrastructure, and downstream activities.

Saadet Gökce