Upgrade in bilateral ties
Solid partnership: Macron (left) shaking hands with Wong after both countries signed multiple bilateral agreements. — AP
France and Singapore will expand cooperation in areas such as civilian nuclear energy, intelligence sharing and defence technology, upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP).
This is Singapore's first CSP with a European country – an upgrade to a strategic partnership signed in 2012 – and was announced by both countries at a joint press conference yesterday.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and French President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the exchange of 13 agreements at a ceremony in Parliament House on the second day of a state visit by Macron.
At a joint press conference following the exchange, Wong said in an uncertain world, it is even more important for like-minded countries like France and Singapore to work together.
He said: 'That's why President Macron and I have agreed to upgrade our bilateral ties with a comprehensive strategic partnership. This will deepen our cooperation in existing sectors and expand our collaboration in new areas like decarbonisation and digitalisation.'
Speaking in French, Macron said the comprehensive strategic partnership signifies the deep trust between the countries, and added his hopes for further cooperation in the business domain.
On nuclear energy, the countries signed agreements to facilitate cooperation on safety, workforce development, research, environmental protection, the protection of public health and emergency preparedness and response, amongst others.
Solid partnership: Macron (left) shaking hands with Wong after both countries signed multiple bilateral agreements. — AP
Wong said the agreements will help Singapore tap French expertise in the field as it explores the possibility for civilian nuclear energy.
Turning to defence, Wong said the domain has always been a 'pillar' of the relationship between the two countries.
He said: 'Under the new partnership, we will enhance cooperation in other areas, including deployment defence technology and critical and emerging technologies.
'We will also reinforce the journey of cooperation, including by establishing a senior officials dialogue'.
The countries exchanged three agreements to deepen and expand their defence relationship across multiple domains of mutual interest and shared expertise, including non-traditional domains like digital defence.
They also provide for the enhancement of a joint research and development laboratory established in 2023 to develop artificial intelligence capabilities.
They also signed an agreement facilitating the sharing and mutual protection of classified information between France and Singapore.
Known as the France-Singapore General Security Agreement, it will support and deepen security cooperation in areas of mutual interest beyond defence, including counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.
Both countries also agreed to work together on technical and vocational education, and unveiled a roadmap to deepen collaboration on digital policy and innovation.
The state visit also commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and France. — The Straits Times/ANN
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