At a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Singapore’s PM Lee Hsien Loong addressed questions on trade, regional security, and international relations, emphasizing cooperation and adherence to international standards.
During the joint press conference held with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 5 March 2024, as part of the 9th Singapore-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Melbourne, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong provided insights into various aspects of international relations, trade agreements, regional security, and cultural exchanges. PM Lee emphasized the importance of open trade and cooperation, responding to queries on China’s potential accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) amidst ongoing trade restrictions on Australian goods. He highlighted the need for China to meet CPTPP standards and resolve bilateral issues with member countries.
On regional security, PM Lee underscored Australia’s pivotal role in the Asia-Pacific’s stability, reflecting on historical defense collaborations and expressing hopes for continued partnership. Addressing ASEAN’s varied stances on South China Sea disputes, he reiterated Singapore’s commitment to freedom of navigation and international law, stressing ongoing negotiations for a Code of Conduct with China.
The conference also touched on cultural diplomacy, with PM Lee discussing Singapore’s exclusive arrangement for Taylor Swift’s Southeast Asian concert, framing it as a successful tourism initiative rather than a divisive move. Looking towards the US elections, he expressed a pragmatic approach to future leadership and its impact on trade and international relations.
Source – PMO
