[L-R: US Ambassador to Singapore Jonathan Kaplan; US Secretary of State Antony Blinken; Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade & Industry Dr Tan See Leng]
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Singapore and the United States have taken significant steps to deepen their cooperation in technology, economic, and defense sectors. The recent joint press remarks by Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, and U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, highlighted their ongoing partnership and outlined plans for future collaboration in several critical areas.
The high-level meeting took place on July 31, 2024, in Singapore and was part of the U.S.-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Dialogue. This dialogue builds on the inaugural meeting held in Washington, D.C., in October 2023, and underscores the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
Advancements in Technology
A key focus of the dialogue was the commitment to expanding cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology. Both nations agreed to support the development of international standards and frameworks to ensure the safety and security of AI technologies. They also plan to explore joint research projects and capacity-building programs to promote responsible AI and data governance.
The two countries have concluded a bilateral Digital Economic Cooperation Roadmap, which sets the foundation for further collaboration on the digital economy. This roadmap identifies shared principles and opportunities for cooperation in priority areas such as emerging technologies, data governance, digital connectivity, and infrastructure.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The dialogue celebrated the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA), which was the first FTA the U.S. signed with an Asian country. The agreement remains a gold standard for international trade agreements, contributing significantly to economic growth and cooperation between the two countries.
In 2024, the United States continues to be Singapore’s top trading partner in services and its largest foreign investor. Bilateral trade with the U.S. has nearly tripled over the past two decades, and Singapore is the third-largest Asian investor in the United States. This robust economic partnership supports nearly 250,000 jobs in the U.S.
Singapore is also a staunch supporter of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). In June, Singapore hosted the inaugural IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum and IPEF Ministerial meeting, further solidifying its role as a key player in regional economic cooperation.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
New Agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation
A significant development from the meeting was the signing of the Agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation, commonly known as the 123 Agreement. This framework is designed to deepen peaceful nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and Singapore, focusing on safety, security, and non-proliferation.
Although Singapore currently lacks the conventional nuclear technologies suitable for its needs, the agreement ensures that Singapore stays informed about advancements in civil nuclear technology. It facilitates access to information and technological expertise, allowing Singapore to engage more deeply with civil nuclear experts in the U.S.
Capacity Building and Training
The renewal of the Singapore-U.S. Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) marked another milestone in the partnership. Since its inception in 2012, the TCTP has conducted 76 capacity-building programs for over 2,000 officials from Southeast Asia, including Timor Leste.
These programs have focused on a range of areas, including public health, trade facilitation, smart cities, the digital economy, and cybersecurity. The renewed agreement aims to deepen collaboration in these fields, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to advancing development priorities in the region.
Defense Cooperation
Defense collaboration remains a cornerstone of the U.S.-Singapore relationship. The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Defence Innovation Cooperation enhances bilateral efforts to adopt and scale commercial technologies to address shared operational challenges.
The MOU covers priority areas such as maritime security and counter-unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring that both countries continue to work closely to address common strategic objectives.
Looking Ahead
The United States and Singapore are committed to continuing their strong partnership across various sectors, focusing on technology, economics, and defense. The next U.S.-Singapore CET Dialogue is scheduled for 2025 in the United States, aiming to further deepen collaboration across bilateral, regional, and international forums.
Both nations are dedicated to delivering a more prosperous, secure, and brighter future for their peoples and the Indo-Pacific region. This commitment is underpinned by shared values, respect for international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Source – MFA
