Qatar and Singapore have agreed to renew an energy cooperation memorandum of understanding, as the two countries seek to deepen ties in investment, energy security and technology during Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit to Doha.
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong held official talks at the Amiri Diwan on Monday, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and investment sectors.
Wong is visiting Qatar from 18 to 20 October, marking his first official visit to the Middle East as prime minister.
Sheikh Tamim welcomed Wong and his accompanying delegation, expressing hope that the visit would strengthen the partnership between Qatar and Singapore and expand cooperation in ways that serve the interests of both countries.
Wong thanked the Amir for the warm welcome and hospitality, expressing his desire to elevate relations between the two countries.
The talks covered bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation across various fields, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest. The two leaders also held a separate meeting to exchange views on current developments.
Wong also met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, to discuss strengthening cooperation in energy security, supply chain resilience, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation.
In a post on X following the meeting, Wong said the discussions covered ways to deepen the partnership, including strengthening energy security and supply chain resilience, as well as exploring new opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation.
Wong also expressed appreciation for Qatar’s role in facilitating dialogue and efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of continued diplomacy to promote regional peace and stability.
Qatar and Singapore renew energy cooperation MoU
Sheikh Tamim and Wong witnessed the signing of the minutes of the ninth Qatar-Singapore High-Level Joint Committee meeting and the exchange of documents announcing the renewal of a memorandum of understanding between QatarEnergy and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and cooperation in carbon reduction technology.
The renewed MoU reflects the two countries’ continued energy cooperation and their interest in exploring collaboration on carbon reduction technology.
The meeting was attended by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, and several other ministers.
Singapore’s delegation included Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, and other senior officials.
Sheikh Tamim later hosted a luncheon in honour of Wong and his delegation.
Wong visits Qatar Foundation and National Museum of Qatar
During his visit, Wong was also welcomed to Education City by Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani.
The delegation was introduced to Qatar Foundation’s ecosystem and its works in education, research, and community development. Sheikha Hind and Wong also discussed approaches to digital technology that promote safety and balance.
Wong also visited the National Museum of Qatar, accompanied by Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani, where he explored collections documenting Qatar’s geological development, natural environments, archaeological sites and petroglyphs, as well as the lives of Qataris on land and along the coast.
The tour included a digital exhibition, displays of pearls and jewellery design, and galleries tracing Qatar’s modern history following the discovery of oil and gas.