CANBERRA, ACT, April 10 -- The Prime Minister of Australia issued the following media release:
We, the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, and thePrime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lawrence Wong, reaffirmed the strength of the relationship and the deep reservoir of strategic trust between our two countries, as reflected in theAustralia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2.0 (CSP 2.0).
The enhanced CSP 2.0 sets out the ambitious next phase of cooperation, which underpins shared prosperity, security and stability. Our discussions today enable enhanced cooperation on emerging and evolving issues.
Recognising the significant economic impacts of the current Middle East crisis, we reaffirmed our support for the current ceasefire and encouraged negotiations to bring an end to the conflict.
We agreed on the need to coordinate our response to this global crisis so that both our economies are stronger and more resilient into the future.
We recognised the importance of the role of our countries in each other's energy security - Singapore is one of Australia's top suppliers of refined petroleum products, and Australia is one of Singapore's top suppliers of liquefied natural gas.
Building on our Joint Statement on Energy Security on 23 March, we stated our determination to make maximum efforts to meet each other's energy security needs in the context of the acute energy crisis currently affecting global markets.
We reaffirmed our commitment to support the flow of essential goods including petroleum oils, such as diesel, and LNG and agreed to intensify cooperation to facilitate the timely movement of goods and essential supplies through enhanced coordination, efficient border and port processes, transparency, and early consultation.
We reaffirmed our commitment to working together, particularly during crises, to support a resilient, rules-based multilateral trading system that underpins stability during periods of global disruption.
Further to this, we directed our Ministers to conclude a legally binding Protocol to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies consistent with this Joint Statement.
To support this cooperation, we welcomed the establishment of the Australia-Singapore Economic Resilience Dialogue, co-chaired by senior officials, to facilitate cooperation on economic resilience challenges and trade in essential supplies.
We tasked Ministers to convene the inaugural Energy Ministerial Dialogue to strengthen our cooperation.
We reaffirmed our calls for other trading partners to join us in ensuring global energy supply chains are kept open, for the benefit of the security and prosperity of their peoples.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
