Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong’s official visit to the United States strengthens bilateral ties and explores key areas of cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Lawrence Wong embarked on a diplomatic mission to Washington DC from 11 to 13 October 2023, reinforcing ties between Singapore and the United States.
During his stay, DPM Wong engaged in substantive discussions with prominent figures of the Biden Administration, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai. The meetings spanned a diverse spectrum of topics, encompassing national security, economic strategies, and financial matters. This robust agenda underscored the deep-rooted and multifaceted nature of collaboration between the two nations.
In these dialogues, DPM Wong addressed the evolving global geopolitical landscape and emphasized the pivotal leadership role played by the United States in confronting worldwide challenges. He reiterated Singapore’s conviction that the United States is a crucial stakeholder in the Asia-Pacific region. The Deputy Prime Minister commended the United States’ commitment to sustaining its role as a dependable contributor to the region’s stability and prosperity. Discussions also spotlighted the enduring partnership in economic and defense realms.
The visit marked a significant milestone with the launch of the inaugural US-Singapore Dialogue on Critical and Emerging Technologies on 12 October 2023. This initiative showcases shared convictions on the necessity for comprehensive standards and governance frameworks, ensuring the safe and trustworthy advancement of critical and emerging technologies. The inaugural US-Singapore Space Dialogue on 10 October 2023, following Singapore’s endorsement of the Artemis Accords in 2022, further epitomized this fruitful collaboration. Both nations expanded the reach of the Singapore-US Third Country Training Programme into the Pacific Islands region, demonstrating their collective dedication to the development priorities of partner nations.
Green energy transition featured prominently in discussions, notwithstanding Singapore’s challenges in alternative energy. The nation is resolutely committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is actively exploring diverse pathways to decarbonize its power sector. This includes exploring cutting-edge technologies such as low-carbon hydrogen and advanced geothermal energy systems. DPM Wong expressed Singapore’s eagerness to partner with the United States in evaluating the potential of civilian nuclear energy within the context of green energy transition. This aligns with Singapore’s proactive approach to capacity building, aimed at comprehending the safety and reliability of advanced nuclear energy technologies. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland warmly welcomed this proposition.
DPM Wong also took part in a thought-provoking dialogue hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies on 13 October 2023.
Source : MFA SIngapore
