President Halimah Yacob’s State Visit to Qatar strengthens bilateral ties, with discussions focusing on cooperation in trade, energy, and food security, resulting in the signing of significant agreements between Singapore and Qatar.
President Halimah Yacob of Singapore embarked on a State Visit to the State of Qatar from 19 to 22 June 2023, strengthening the longstanding ties between the two nations. Upon her arrival, she was accorded a warm State Welcome Ceremony and had the privilege of calling on His Highness Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Sheikh Tamim hosted a State Luncheon in President Halimah’s honor, further symbolizing the excellent relations between Singapore and Qatar.
During their discussions, President Halimah and Sheikh Tamim focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, energy, and food security. They exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. As a result of their fruitful conversation, several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed in areas such as capacity building, liquefied natural gas and low-carbon technology, food security, cybersecurity, and innovation. These agreements are poised to deepen collaboration and partnership between Singapore and Qatar, fostering mutual growth and prosperity.
The leaders also acknowledged the Singapore-Qatar High Level Joint Committee (HLJC) as a crucial platform for bilateral engagement. They eagerly anticipated the 8th HLJC, scheduled to take place later in the year, recognizing its significance in further strengthening their cooperation as small states facing common challenges and promoting a rules-based world order.
President Halimah also received a courtesy call from His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani. The leaders engaged in productive discussions on bilateral cooperation and shared their perspectives on recent global developments. Sheikh Mohammed’s upcoming Official Visit to Singapore, aligned with the 8th HLJC, further signifies the commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and deepening collaboration between the two nations.
President Halimah also had the opportunity to explore Qatar’s rich cultural heritage during her visit to the National Museum, accompanied by Her Excellency Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani. Additionally, she engaged with the Singaporean community residing in Qatar at a reception.
President Halimah was accompanied by a delegation comprising esteemed officials from Singapore, including Mr. Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee, Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman, Ms. Low Yen Ling, and Members of Parliament Mr. Henry Kwek and Mr. Sharael Taha. These officials represented various governmental departments such as the President’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Enterprise Singapore, and the Singapore Food Agency. In her absence, Mr. Eddie Teo, Chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers, assumed the responsibilities of the Office of the President.
President Halimah Yacob’s State Visit to Qatar served as a significant milestone in strengthening the bilateral relationship. The visit not only fostered fruitful discussions and the signing of crucial agreements but also reinforced the commitment to a rules-based world order and addressing common challenges faced by small states. These developments will contribute to the growth and prosperity of both Singapore and Qatar, and set the stage for continued collaboration in the future.
| During President Halimah Yacob’s State Visit to Qatar, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, reflecting the commitment to enhance cooperation between the two nations. The MoUs signed during the visit include: 1. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Republic of Singapore for cooperation in the field of food security. This agreement aims to foster collaboration in ensuring food security through shared knowledge, resources, and strategic planning. 2. Memorandum of Understanding for the cooperation in the Field of Cybersecurity between the National Cyber Security Agency of the State of Qatar and the Cyber Security Agency of the Republic of Singapore. This MoU focuses on joint efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures, information sharing, and capacity building to address the growing challenges in the digital realm. 3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on the Implementation of a Training Programme for the Asia-Middle East Dialogue Countries at the Regional Training Centre for Public Administration In the State of Qatar. This agreement aims to establish a training program that facilitates knowledge exchange and capacity building for public administration officials from Asia-Middle East Dialogue countries. 4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore and QatarEnergy of the State of Qatar on Liquefied Natural Gas and Low-Carbon Technology Cooperation. This MoU focuses on collaboration in the field of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-carbon technologies, aiming to explore innovative and sustainable solutions in the energy sector. 5. Memorandum of Understanding between Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council and Enterprise Singapore in the Field of Innovation. This agreement seeks to foster innovation and research collaboration between Qatar and Singapore, promoting the exchange of ideas, technologies, and expertise to drive economic growth and development. These MoUs signify the commitment of both Singapore and Qatar to strengthen cooperation in crucial areas such as food security, cybersecurity, public administration training, energy, and innovation. They provide a framework for joint initiatives and shared endeavors that will contribute to the mutual benefit and progress of both nations. |
