MFA Press Statement: Official Visit of the Prime Minister of Australia, The Honourable Malcolm Turnbull, 2-3 June 2017

     The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Malcolm Turnbull, who is on an official visit to Singapore, received an official welcome at the Istana today. Prime Minister Turnbull called on President Tony Tan Keng Yam and met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for the 2^nd Singapore-Australia Leaders’ Summit. Prime Minister Lee also hosted an Official Lunch for Prime Minister Turnbull. 

     Noting that Singapore and Australia shared a longstanding and close friendship, President Tan and Prime Minister Turnbull welcomed the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), which will benefit the peoples of Singapore and Australia. They looked forward to increased exchanges between both countries.

     At the Leaders’ Summit, both Prime Ministers reaffirmed the longstanding and excellent bilateral ties, underpinned by similar perspectives and strategic trust. They took stock of the wide-ranging cooperation under the CSP, and commended the continued progress of the CSP in enhancing and transforming the bilateral relationship. They reiterated Singapore and Australia’s commitment to deepen and expand bilateral collaboration, including in trade, defence, innovation, and arts and culture. The Prime Ministers also exchanged views on regional developments and agreed on the importance of an open and inclusive regional architecture, and the benefits of free and open trade.

      Following their discussion, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of (i) a Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Security Cooperation, which will deepen information exchange and bilateral cooperation through joint exercises, regular exchanges and regional capacity building programmes; and (ii) a Memorandum of Understanding between Singapore’s National Research Foundation and Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation for Furthering Scientific Cooperation, which will promote cooperation in data science and advanced manufacturing. Singapore and Australia will commence the Work and Holiday Visa Programme on 1 August 2017 to strengthen bilateral youth exchanges. Australia will also commence a six-year visa for Singaporeans on 1 January 2018. 

     Prime Minister Turnbull will deliver the Keynote Address at the 16^th International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue this evening. On 3 June, both Prime Ministers will jointly open the Torres Strait Islander Erub Arts Exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum.