Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have elevated their strategic partnership to a new level by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to strengthen cooperation in the fields of energy, public health, and water resources. Achieved on the occasion of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's official visit to the UAE, this agreement serves as an important milestone for both nations to respond to global uncertainties and solidify a future-oriented partnership.

Establishment of a Multi-faceted Cooperation Framework in Energy, Water Resources, and Public Health

Signed in the presence of the leaders of both countries, the three MOUs contain concrete and practical measures for cooperation. First, in the energy sector, it was decided to establish a joint energy task force under the Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum. Through this, cooperation will be deepened across the entire value chain, including energy trading, infrastructure, and downstream sectors. In particular, both sides welcomed continued cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, with the participation of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). Singapore is carefully reviewing the potential adoption of nuclear energy, undergoing an evaluation by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2027, and places the highest priority on safety.

In the water resources sector, sustainable water management was established as a strategic task, and the two countries agreed to closely cooperate in fields such as seawater desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment and reuse, and innovative technology. In the public health sector, the Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre will exchange knowledge and technology regarding the Wolbachia-based Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) to suppress populations of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a vector for dengue fever. This means that mass production and quality control know-how from Singapore's Project Wolbachia will be applied to sites in Abu Dhabi.

Promotion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Solidarity in Future Strategic Industries

Taking advantage of this summit, the two countries declared the official launch of negotiations to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This reflects the ambition to deepen economic integration, facilitate trade and investment flows, and create new opportunities for businesses in both nations. Amid rapidly changing international circumstances, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of a reliable partnership, stating that through the upcoming 4th Singapore-UAE Joint Committee, they plan to expand the horizons of cooperation into artificial intelligence, advanced technology, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, space, and nuclear technology.

In addition, the two countries shared the same view on safeguarding a rules-based international order and freedom of navigation. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong strongly asserted that combining the complementary strengths of both countries in an unstable world can generate synergy. During this visit, Prime Minister Wong met with key figures including the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Prime Minister of Dubai to discuss cooperation measures in artificial intelligence, defense, and advanced technology, and concluded his three-day itinerary after encouraging local expatriates.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]