Singapore and South Korea have elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, marking a significant milestone in their 50-year diplomatic relationship. The agreement, launched by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, encompasses eight key areas of cooperation, including trade, sustainability, and defence technology. This partnership not only strengthens the two nations’ economic and security ties but also sets a precedent for regional collaboration in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
At the heart of the strategic partnership is a commitment to advancing green and digital shipping corridors, a move that underscores both countries’ dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating digital transformation in the maritime sector. This initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change while fostering innovation in sustainable shipping practices.
Prime Minister Wong highlighted the historical significance of the partnership, noting that both nations emerged as “Asian Tigers” despite global economic turbulence in the 1970s. “We transformed our economies—each charting our own path, but always working closely together for mutual benefit,” he said. “Today, our partnership is stronger than ever.”
A key agreement within the partnership focuses on new energy solutions, including ammonia, hydrogen, and civil nuclear energy technologies. These efforts are expected to contribute to both nations’ green agendas and serve as models for broader regional cooperation. Additionally, the two countries will exchange knowledge and best practices in public service, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, with a particular emphasis on AI safety and governance.
President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed the excellent state of Singapore-South Korea ties and expressed hope for continued investment and collaboration. He also noted that South Korea will support Singapore’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2027 and APEC in 2030. The agreement also includes the first-ever import of beef and pork from Jeju Island to Singapore, further enhancing trade relations.
Cultural exchange is another pillar of the partnership, with both countries agreeing to facilitate closer dialogue and partnerships in the arts, culture, and sports sectors. This will deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
As strategic partners, Singapore and South Korea will also work together to promote regional peace and prosperity. They will launch a joint project under the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund to support ASEAN’s digital transformation. Singapore, as the country coordinator for ASEAN-Korea economic relations, looks forward to launching negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area in early 2026.
Prime Minister Wong’s visit to Seoul, his first official trip as Prime Minister, follows the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju. He noted that the Korea-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which came into force in 2006, laid a strong foundation for the pair’s economic links to flourish. Both countries are now among each other’s top 10 trading partners, with growing investment flows and emerging domain collaborations.
South Korea’s accession to the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA) in 2024 further solidifies this partnership. The DEPA, signed in 2020 by Singapore, Chile, and New Zealand, facilitates digital trade.
At a lunch hosted by President Lee in honour of Prime Minister Wong and his wife, Mrs. Wong, President Lee promised “unwavering trust” as the countries move forward with the strategic partnership. He hoped that Singapore and South Korea can continue to shine amid a challenging geopolitical landscape.
Prime Minister Wong agreed, stating that Singapore and South Korea can be “two bright stars in an uncertain and unpredictable world that appears to be growing darker day by day.” He added that the strategic partnership is a statement of shared conviction that, in uncertain times, countries can and must work together—for mutual benefit, for the region, and for the greater good.
The strategic partnership between Singapore and South Korea is poised to shape the future of defence technology development, particularly in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems. As both nations invest in cutting-edge technologies and foster deeper collaboration, they are likely to set new standards for innovation and security in the region. This partnership not only strengthens bilateral ties but also serves as a model for other countries looking to enhance their defence capabilities through international cooperation.