Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s visit to the United Arab Emirates underscores the robust partnership between Singapore and the UAE, with a focus on climate cooperation and emerging economies
SINGAPORE’S Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, embarked on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on October 21-22, 2023. The visit commenced with a warm reception by UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. This was followed by a ceremonial Welcome Ceremony, showcasing the cordiality between the two leaders. President Sheikh Mohamed also hosted a lunch in honor of PM Lee.
PM Lee and President Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations and emphasized the progress made under the Singapore – UAE Comprehensive Partnership (SUCP), established in February 2019 during then-Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Singapore. The leaders commended the successful outcomes of the 14th Abu Dhabi Singapore Joint Forum (ADSJF) and the 3rd Singapore – UAE Joint Committee (SUJC) earlier in the year. Both nations, being small states and regional hubs, share a common interest in advocating for multilateralism and a rules-based global order. They also expressed a shared ambition to further collaborate in burgeoning areas such as the green and digital economies.
PM Lee welcomed the UAE’s interest in joining the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA), signifying a commitment to deepen collaboration in digital trade. He also conveyed Singapore’s support for the UAE’s hosting of the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP-28) later in the year. Both leaders anticipated enhanced collaboration in the realm of global climate action and the multilateral process. Additionally, they exchanged perspectives on recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
Witnessing the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and agreements marked a significant aspect of the visit. These encompassed critical areas such as green economy, climate change, education, digital government, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and halal food certification.
In Dubai, PM Lee was hosted to lunch by UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. They acknowledged the robust people-to-people connections between Singapore and Dubai and engaged in a productive discussion on strategies to bolster cooperation.
PM Lee’s itinerary also included a meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and attendance at a reception for Overseas Singaporeans later in the afternoon.
