Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan hosted the 14th Meeting of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC) today. Australia was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell.
The Ministers reaffirmed the strong and longstanding bilateral relations, underpinned by shared strategic perspectives and economic complementarities. They welcomed the good progress made across all six pillars of the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), namely economics and trade, defence and security, science and innovation, people-to-people, digital economy and green economy. In particular, they welcomed the good progress in implementing the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement, including the development of workplans with partners under the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. The Ministers also welcomed the completion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area expansion this year, which marks a significant milestone in the bilateral defence relationship.
The Ministers agreed that Singapore and Australia can further enhance business connections, trade and investment, including through Singapore to the rest of the region as part of Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The Singapore Ministers welcomed Australia's investment of US$50 million to Singapore's Financing Asia's Transition Partnership (FAST-P) initiative to provide blended finance for green and transition projects through its Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility.
The Ministers had a substantive discussion on the next phase of the CSP, and, building on the strategic trust and shared interests, looked forward to an ambitious and pathfinding agenda particularly in the areas of defence, supply chains, green economy, renewable energy and health. The Ministers tasked officials to finalise the slate of initiatives to be launched in 2025 in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the CSP.
The Ministers also had a free-flowing and useful exchange of views on regional and global developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to uphold ASEAN Centrality, and continue working together to support the tangible implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. They also reaffirmed their support for the rules-based multilateral trading system, as embodied by the World Trade Organization, which provides the predictability and stability for our region's growth and development.
Following the 14th SAJMC meeting, the Ministers issued a Joint Communique on the key outcomes. The full text of the Joint Communique is appended.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
3 DECEMBER 2024
. . . . .
JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 14TH MEETING OF THE SINGAPORE‑AUSTRALIA JOINT MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE, 3 DECEMBER 2024
Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry
Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence
Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism
1. Singapore and Australian Ministers met in Singapore for the 14th Meeting of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC) on 3 December 2024. The Ministers reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and ambitious Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between Singapore and Australia, underpinned by strategic trust and shared interests. They acknowledged the unique nature of the SAJMC's 3+3 Ministerial mechanism to both countries, and the key role it has played in strengthening bilateral cooperation over more than two decades.
2. The Ministers welcomed the significant progress made under the CSP since its inception in 2015 as set out in the 10-year CSP Roadmap, with more than 110 initiatives completed across its six pillars. The Ministers reaffirmed the strong commitment on both sides to continue strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation for an ambitious, pathfinding and forward-looking next phase of the CSP, as both countries approach the 10th anniversary of the CSP and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025.
3. Recalling the commitment that the Leaders made at the 9th Singapore‑Australia Annual Leaders' Meeting (ALM) in Melbourne in March 2024, the Ministers welcomed the good progress that both countries have made in developing the slate of initiatives for the next ten-year phase of the CSP. The Ministers tasked officials to finalise the slate of initiatives for the next phase of the CSP, to be launched by the Leaders at the 10th ALM in Singapore in 2025. The Ministers agreed that both countries should continue to adopt a long-term perspective for the initiatives, recognising that some shared strategic objectives might require more time for fruition. The Ministers called for a level of ambition for the next phase of the CSP commensurate with the high level of trust and proven reliability as strategic partners.
Economics, Trade and Investment
4. The Ministers reaffirmed the close and longstanding bilateral and regional economic partnership that both countries share, as well as the strong trade and investment partnership between Australia and Singapore. They noted that both countries are among each other's top trading partners and that bilateral trade volumes continued to grow under the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement which celebrated its 20th anniversary in July 2023. The Ministers welcomed Australia's commitment to enhance business connections, trade and investment into Southeast Asia, including through Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and the Future Made in Australia agenda. The Ministers recognised the importance of two-way investment in accelerating the region's clean energy transition. The Ministers also acknowledged Singapore and Australia's close cooperation in advancing the ASEAN-Australia New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) upgrade and looked forward to its entry into force.
5. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of developing resilient supply chains, including through discussions under the Singapore-Australia Supply Chains Working Group which has strengthened cooperation in the areas of food, energy security, connectivity and crisis response. The Ministers were pleased to note continuing collaboration on food security under the bilateral Food Pact, and looked forward to further progression of a simplified transhipment protocol for Australian meat and meat products which will enhance trade flows through Singapore to other markets. The Ministers also welcomed Australia's commitment to remaining a reliable supplier of energy to Singapore, including gas, in line with both countries' commitments towards net-zero transition. The Ministers agreed that Singapore and Australia should elevate cooperation on climate, energy transition and energy security. Following the release of Australia's Aviation White Paper in August 2024, the Ministers looked forward to further discussions between aviation officials on reviewing the bilateral Air Services Agreement, with a view to achieve further air services liberalisation.
6. The Ministers noted that Singapore and Australia are partner economies in various multilateral fora such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and welcomed Australia assuming the role of Chair of the CPTPP in 2025. They reaffirmed their support for the rules-based multilateral trading system, as embodied by the WTO, which provides the predictability and stability our region relies on for growth and development and welcomed the recent accession of Timor-Leste to the WTO. The Ministers welcomed continued cooperation between Australia and Singapore to advance necessary reforms and rule-making at the WTO to better equip the organisation to address current and emerging global trade challenges, including by restoring a fully functioning dispute settlement system as soon as possible. They also agreed on the importance of integrating the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into the WTO legal framework, as well as prompt entry into force of the Agreement on Electronic Commerce, WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and conclusion of negotiations for further disciplines on overcapacity and overfishing. They also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open and predictable trade links and developing resilient global supply chains for mutual prosperity and growth in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment. The Ministers looked forward to further discussions to support rules-based trade in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The Ministers welcomed the progress made on implementing the RCEP Agreement, including establishing the RCEP Support Unit and finalising the Accession Procedures, and affirmed both countries' commitment to the remaining work to ensure that the RCEP Agreement remains relevant and inclusive. The Ministers also welcomed IPEF's cooperative efforts to deliver concrete solutions to shared challenges, including supply chain resilience, decarbonisation, and supporting regional anti-corruption measures and tax initiatives to boost commerce, trade and investment.
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security
7. The Ministers underscored the value of the longstanding defence and security cooperation between Singapore and Australia, which has deepened under the CSP and contributes to a stable and peaceful region. Singapore acknowledged Australia's longstanding and continuing support for the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) training in Australia and welcomed the completion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area expansion, which was a signature element of the CSP. The Ministers also acknowledged Singapore's longstanding and continuing support for Australia's aircraft, ships and personnel transiting through Singapore, and reaffirmed both countries' strong commitment and contributions to the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus, which are crucial to strengthening regional peace and stability. The Ministers commended the efforts to increase exercise complexity during the recent bilateral joint Exercise Trident 2024, which included a defence science and technology integration activity. The Ministers agreed to build on the success of the CSP to further strengthen the defence relationship in the next phase of the CSP, in areas such as support for expanded access to facilities in each country, and professional cooperation between both militaries.
8. On security cooperation, the Ministers noted the strong ongoing cooperation on counterterrorism, cyber security, transnational and organised crime, border security, national resilience, and emergency management. They looked forward to the conclusion of more arrangements between Singapore and Australia to further strengthen and broaden cooperation on homeland safety and security under the next phase of the CSP. The Ministers acknowledged progress on key initiatives for security cooperation, such as the Australia-Singapore Security Dialogue, the MOU on Cooperation in Security Matters, and the Border of the Future Partnership. The Ministers underscored their commitment to deepening strategic dialogue and coordination.
9. The Ministers highlighted their cooperation on arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament and its importance to international security. They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as its cornerstone and to supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) vital role in verifying the fulfilment of States' nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
10. The Ministers acknowledged Australia's commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship and setting the highest non-proliferation standard in relation to its acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS, and welcomed the AUKUS partners' ongoing engagement with the IAEA. They acknowledged Singapore's offer to host Australia's conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines for port visits once ready.
People-to-People Links
11. The Ministers underscored that strong people-to-people ties were an important foundation for the bilateral relationship. They welcomed continued cooperation on arts and culture, including through a stronger focus on regional engagement through the Australia-Singapore Arts Group, as well as discussions on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications between our professional bodies. The Ministers also welcomed efforts to strengthen bilateral education and research cooperation in the next phase of the CSP. The Ministers highlighted the positive people-to-people links and broader benefits flowing to both countries from Australia's deployment of over 4,600 scholars to Singapore under the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarships and Fellowships programmes since 2014.
12. The Ministers reaffirmed the close and substantive exchanges between our public services, and looked forward to productive discussions between our senior public service leaders at the 9th Singapore-Australia Public Service Roundtable, which Singapore will host in January 2025. They also welcomed early discussions to enhance public sector cooperation.
Science and Innovation
13. The Ministers noted the strong collaboration between Singapore and Australia in science, technology and innovation. They welcomed enhanced science and innovation cooperation through the inclusion of Singapore as a priority country in Australia's Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund and the good progress in collaboration under the Master Research Collaboration Agreement between the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). This includes the A*STAR-CSIRO Research-Industry (2+2) Partnership grants programme, and the Singapore‑Australia Bilateral Programme on Innovations in Food for Sustainability (IF4S). The IF4S aims to develop opportunities and individual research projects in the thematic areas of production of new or novel ingredients, consumer acceptance of complementary protein/novel foods, and food side stream/waste valorisation. The Ministers further noted the award of grants under the 2nd call of the IF4S and the 2nd call of the 2+2 Programme.
14. The Ministers welcomed the establishment of the Australia-Singapore Venture Exchange Programme (VEP) to support deep-tech start-ups in emerging industries to engage with the innovation ecosystems in both countries and access to complementary research capabilities to accelerate industry development. They welcomed the success of the inaugural cohort focused on Future Food, and the call for Expressions of Interest for a second round of the programme to commence in February 2025.
15. The Ministers welcomed the good progress between CSIRO and the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore under the Australia-Singapore Low Emissions Technology (ASLET) initiative for the maritime and ports sector. The Ministers noted the conclusion of the inaugural ASLET call for proposals, and looked forward to the announcement of successful applicants.
16. The Ministers welcomed the expansion of cooperation on health with the signing of the MOU on Health Cooperation in August 2023, which recognises the common healthcare challenges that Singapore and Australia face and the opportunity to collaborate on pandemic prevention and the establishment of public health agencies. They welcomed the establishment of a regular Health Policy Dialogue on topics of mutual interest.
Digital Economy
17. The Ministers reaffirmed the need to support the growth of the digital economy, given the new opportunities it presents. The Ministers affirmed their shared commitment to support the digital transformation of our economies by implementing the Singapore-Australia Digital Economy Agreement through collaborations in new areas of interest.
18. The Ministers welcomed enhanced bilateral cooperation on artificial intelligence, cyber and critical technologies (including emerging technologies), online safety, anti-scams, data privacy, as well as misinformation and disinformation.
19. The Ministers welcomed increased partnership between Australia and Singapore to promote best practices in subsea cable deployment, maintenance and repairs, leveraging our respective expertise and experience.
Green Economy
20. The Ministers reaffirmed both countries' shared commitment to deepen cooperation and accelerate ambitious climate action. They affirmed the need to work closely to deliver practical outcomes that help to accelerate efforts to decarbonise economic activities, including manufacture and trade of low emissions products, cross-border carbon capture and storage and the development of regional supply chains for low-carbon hydrogen and associated liquid fuels.
21. The Ministers welcomed significant progress in implementing the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement (SAGEA), noting the development of workplans with action partners under the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) initiative, and the award of grants under the 2nd cycle of the Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant. The Ministers noted the business-to-business collaboration currently underway to co-innovate products, services and solutions that drive trade in emerging green industry sectors. They recognised the importance of the Go Green Co-Innovation Programme (GGCIP) in supporting this collaboration and welcomed the second round of GGCIP grant funding that will see new business partnerships announced in by mid-2025. The Ministers further noted the signing of the Mutual Recognition Agreement between Good Environmental Choice Australia and the Singapore Environment Council on paint, cement and concrete ecolabelling. The Ministers welcomed Australia's intention to join Singapore's "Financing Asia's Transition Partnership" (FAST-P) initiative to provide blended finance for green energy transition projects under its Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility.
22. The Ministers welcomed the jointly-developed Ten Principles to Guide the Development of Cross Border Electricity Trade (CBET), which was announced at the 9th ALM in March 2024. The Ten Principles will underpin the architecture for bilateral CBET trade between Singapore and Australia and could help inform the development and adoption of standards and norms in deepening regional energy connectivity. They reaffirmed the shared commitment to harmonise the two countries' systems to support this new area of trade. This includes the application of trade agreements, the law of the sea, safeguarding cross-border electricity infrastructure, developing standards and interoperability, harmonising permitting, establishing governance arrangements and renewable energy certification. They noted the architecture would form an important part of Australia's support for the region's green energy transition, including the realisation of the ASEAN Power Grid.
Regional Cooperation and Global Developments
23. The Ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments. The Ministers acknowledged the central role of ASEAN and the ASEAN-led regional architecture, including the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus and reaffirmed their commitment to uphold ASEAN Centrality. They expressed their support to continue working together to support the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), through tangible projects under the four priority areas of the AOIP. This would help realise the AOIP's vision for an open, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law, as well as the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ministers also welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Centre, which will build on the Australian Government's commitment to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia and deliver programmes across four pillars of Southeast Asia literacy, economic linkages, education and cultural connections. The Ministers welcomed the Quad's steadfast support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including through its positive and practical agenda to support regional countries' priorities and needs, and explored opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
24. The Ministers looked forward to working together to support Timor-Leste in its preparations to join ASEAN, including through the provision of capacity-building assistance. The Ministers were encouraged by Timor-Leste's continued commitment to implement the Roadmap for accession to ASEAN, adopted at the 42nd ASEAN Summit.
25. The Ministers acknowledged that Singapore, Australia and the broader region face heightened geostrategic uncertainty and threats to the international rules-based order and that all states have a role in maintaining the conditions for peace and averting conflict. The Ministers welcomed open lines of communication between the United States and China to that end, and to enable cooperation on global challenges and areas of common interest. They underlined the importance of an open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific region, where international rules and norms are upheld and all countries, big and small, can decide their own future free from coercion. They noted the need to work together to enhance stability across the Indo-Pacific region, where sovereignty is respected and differences are resolved peacefully in accordance with international law. This includes promoting open channels of communication to reduce the risks of misunderstanding and miscalculation and prevent conflict in our region. The Ministers highlighted the link between prosperity and security, and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, and other internationally lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded lawful maritime commerce, including in the South China Sea (SCS). The Ministers emphasised the imperative for peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) without resorting to the threat or use of force.
26. The Ministers expressed serious concern over behaviour that increased the risk of miscalculation and unilateral actions that had the potential to destabilise and challenge the status quo, such as the continued militarisation of disputed features. They also affirmed the need to respect states' ability to conserve, sustainably develop, and effectively manage their maritime natural resources in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS. The Ministers noted the work towards the conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the SCS and emphasised the importance of any Code being consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS, and not prejudicing the legitimate rights and interests of all nations including those not party to these negotiations. Both Singapore and Australia emphasised the primacy of UNCLOS, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. They welcomed the adoption by consensus of Agreement under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) and reaffirmed their commitment to the Agreement. They welcomed Singapore's leading role as President of the BBNJ Agreement's negotiating conferences and Australia's leading role as Co-Chair of the Agreement's Preparatory Commission.
27. The Ministers expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian, security and economic situation in Myanmar. They denounced the continued acts of violence in Myanmar against civilians and public facilities, and called for the immediate cessation of such acts. The Ministers strongly urged the Myanmar military regime to end indiscriminate violence, engage in inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, release those unjustly detained, and facilitate safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance in line with ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus (5PC). The Ministers reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN-led efforts and the swift and full implementation of the 5PC. They also reaffirmed the important roles of the UN, ASEAN, and external partners in facilitating a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Myanmar.
28. The Ministers reiterated their condemnation of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, which is a violation of the UN Charter and of international law. This conflict has serious implications for security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected. Both sides expressed serious concern over reports of the transfer of weapons and dual use goods to Russia, and reports of the deployment of DPRK military personnel to aid Russia's war against Ukraine. They called on Russia to withdraw its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders as part of delivering a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible. In addition to the loss of life and damage, the Ministers noted that the war is also exacerbating the global crisis in food and energy security, including in the Indo-Pacific region.
29. The Ministers expressed their grave concern at the dire humanitarian situation and loss of lives in Gaza and the broader Middle East following the 7 October 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas. The Ministers called for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid, for the safe, immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The Ministers emphasised that all parties must adhere to international law, including international humanitarian law, and reiterated calls on Israel to allow and facilitate the rapid, safe and unimpeded flow of lifesaving humanitarian relief to civilians in Gaza, and for all aid workers to be protected to enable their lifesaving work. The Ministers underscored their support for a negotiated two‑state solution consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. This is the only viable path for achieving a comprehensive, just, and durable peace.
