Joint Communiqué of the 15th Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting

1. Ministers from Australia and Singapore met in Adelaide for the 15th Meeting of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC) on 27 July 2026. Ministers noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the SAJMC mechanism. Ministers reaffirmed the strong and longstanding friendship and deep reservoir of strategic trust between Singapore and Australia, underpinned by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP 2.0) signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on 8 October 2025, which reflects shared interests, deep economic integration, and enduring people-to-people ties.
2. Ministers welcomed the strong early progress in this ten-year phase of cooperation under the CSP 2.0 since its launch. Ministers noted that cooperation across its five pillars: Contributing to Peace and Stability, At Home and In Our Region; Connecting Our Economies; Transitioning to Net-Zero; Forging New Frontiers; and Deepening Friendships and Capabilities – will prepare our economies and societies for challenges and opportunities now and in the future and continue to generate practical outcomes.

Bilateral Cooperation:

3. Our CSP 2.0 reflects the strength and strategic trust that characterises our relationship. It sets out the ambitious next phase of cooperation and underpins our shared prosperity, security and stability as we navigate emerging and evolving issues together.

Connecting Our Economies

4. Australia and Singapore share robust and dynamic trade and investment links, and complementary and interdependent economies. Singapore serves as a key gateway to Southeast Asia, while Australia remains a major economic partner for Singapore. We recognise the important role our countries play in each other’s economic prosperity and resilience, food and energy security and supply chains. In this context, we will review the Singapore-Australia Air Services Agreement to enhance connectivity and business exchanges between the two countries.
5. In an increasingly uncertain global environment, Ministers underscored the importance of coordination and cooperation to strengthen economic resilience and mitigate shared risks. The Ministers recognised the important role Australia and Singapore play in each other’s energy security; Singapore is Australia’s largest supplier of refined petroleum products, and Australia is one of Singapore’s largest suppliers of liquefied natural gas. Australia and Singapore are committed to working together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience including through accelerating renewable energy transition. Ministers underscored their shared commitment to working together, particularly during crises, to support a resilient, rules-based trade in energy products, through enhanced coordination, transparency, and early consultation.
6. Ministers welcomed the signing of the Protocol on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies (‘the Protocol’) to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), which reflects the priority we accord each other with respect to trade in essential supplies. Ministers noted that the Protocol enhances cooperation on economic resilience and secure the trade in essential supplies between the Parties during times of supply chain disruptions. They reaffirmed that the Protocol was guided by the principles of an open, rules-based multilateral trading system.
7. Ministers highlighted the importance of structured dialogue in responding to shared economic challenges. Ministers welcomed the establishment of the Australia-Singapore Economic Resilience Dialogue under the Protocol and instructed officials to host the Dialogue before the end of the year. The Ministers were pleased to note continuing collaboration on food security under the bilateral Food Pact, including progressing finalisation of a Simplified Transhipment Model for red meat.
8. Ministers welcomed Australia’s commitment to enhancing business connections, trade and investment in Southeast Asia including through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and the Future Made in Australia agenda, as well as efforts to leverage Singapore’s connectivity and ties with Southeast Asia and Asia. The Ministers recognised the importance of investment in accelerating the region’s clean energy transition, and Singapore welcomed Australia’s investment of AUD 175 million into Singapore’s Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership initiative. They noted Australia’s Investment Deals Team is supporting a range of Australian investors in the region.
9. Ministers recognised the importance of submarine cables to digital connectivity and economic growth. They welcomed ongoing bilateral collaboration to promote submarine cable resilience and protection in the region, and encouraged the adoption of submarine cable best practices (such as the Enhanced ASEAN Guidelines for Strengthening Resilience and Repair of Submarine Cables), including the workshop that was co-organised by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority and Australia’s Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre for ASEAN member states on best practice undersea cables management on 23-24 June 2026 in Singapore.

Transitioning to Net-Zero 

10. The global clean energy transition presents both a shared challenge and an opportunity for deeper cooperation. Singapore and Australia are united in our commitment towards net-zero and our role in accelerating the region’s clean energy transition. 
11. Ministers recognised the ongoing implementation of the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement (SAGEA), which continues to facilitate practical initiatives to support both countries’ transition to net zero. They noted the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) work underway and called on officials, designated port authorities and action partners to actively progress GDSC trials and pilots that enable the maritime sector to establish credible decarbonisation pathways. Ministers also noted the ongoing collaboration to co-innovate products, services and solutions that drive trade and shape markets for nascent green industry sectors. They welcomed the further development of the joint grant program supporting this collaboration between Singapore and Australian businesses.
12. Recognising their shared commitment to strengthening regional energy security, Ministers welcomed the inaugural Ministerial Dialogue on Energy to be held on 28 July 2026 between Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen and Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), Dr Tan See Leng. Ministers looked forward to building on the momentum of the inaugural Dialogue to chart the next steps in bilateral energy cooperation.
13. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of accelerating regional decarbonisation efforts. Ministers welcomed progress towards a legally binding bilateral instrument for the cross-border movement of carbon dioxide for offshore geological sequestration, with formal negotiations underway. Both sides look forward to concluding the agreement soon.
14. Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to collaborate on regional efforts to enhance grid interconnectivity, in line with the bilateral Cross-Border Electricity Trade Framework, which supports the development of a regional architecture for cross-border electricity trade. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy and support energy security in Southeast Asia and facilitate new trade and investment opportunities in these areas.

Contributing to Peace and Stability, At Home and In Our Region

15. Ministers underscored the importance of longstanding and close defence and security cooperation between Singapore and Australia, and reiterated their commitment to further deepen our defence and security partnership under the CSP 2.0. The Ministers noted that Singapore and Australia’s strong defence partnership contributes to a stable and peaceful region. Ministers welcomed progress and committed to strengthening arrangements to enhance our militaries’ reciprocal access and rotational presence in Australia and Singapore, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Enhanced Defence Cooperation (eDC MoU) signed in October 2025.
16. Ministers acknowledged Singapore’s longstanding and continuing support for Australian aircraft, ships and personnel’s access in and through Singapore since 1971, and Australia’s  five decades of support for the Singapore Armed Forces’ training and rotational presence in Australia. Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment and contributions to the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus, which are critical to a stable and secure region.
17. They commended efforts to deepen defence science and technology collaboration, including through joint experimentation at Exercise Trident 2026, and science and technology cooperation in areas of mutual interest under the Joint Strategic Statement of Intent on Science & Technology Cooperation. Ministers noted the expanded professional defence exchanges and collaboration.
18. Ministers also welcomed the signing of the Industrial Base Resiliency Arrangement (IBRA), which will be a valuable tool to support our shared commitment to closer defence industrial collaboration.
19. Ministers emphasised the importance of practical cooperation in border management and law enforcement to address transnational challenges. Recalling the Border of the Future Partnership, Ministers were pleased to note the completion of a training program for Southeast Asia customs agency officers delivered by Australian Border Force (ABF) and Singapore Customs officers. Ministers welcomed the deepening of discussions between ABF and the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on ways to further enhance operational cooperation at the border and to improve border security. They recognised the successful Home Team Science and Technology Agency and Australian Federal Police Forensics Working Group meeting held in March 2026 and welcomed the upcoming meeting in August 2026.
20. Ministers recognised the value of knowledge sharing to strengthen and support first responder agencies in radiological and nuclear emergency preparedness and response. They acknowledged the inclusion of Home Team Science and Technology Agency members at an Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) course in March 2026 and noted the ongoing discussion for a collaborative workshop in Singapore.
21. Ministers underscored the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation to address evolving security challenges and to secure a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. They noted that Singapore would host the 2nd Security Dialogue in October 2026. Ministers emphasised the importance of preventing conflict in the Indo-Pacific and underscored that all states have a shared responsibility in maintaining the conditions for peace and averting conflict. Amid entrenched strategic competition, Ministers recognised the increasing risk of conflict, including as a result of misunderstanding or miscalculation. They reiterated the need to promote open channels of communication, transparency and practical measures to reduce risks of escalation, crisis and conflict. They reaffirmed a commitment to work collaboratively to support a peaceful, stable and secure region, including ensuring ASEAN remains a vital and credible anchor for regional peace and prosperity. To this end, Ministers acknowledged work underway to strengthen collaboration on conflict prevention, including through capacity-building workshops and exchanges, and the promotion of open channels of communication to engender trust, encourage dialogue and maintain the conditions for peace and stability. The Ministers looked forward to further progress on a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty to facilitate government-to-government assistance in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
22. In this digitised age, Ministers highlighted the importance of promoting resilient, healthy, and fact-based information environments to counter misinformation, disinformation and foreign interference campaigns, and to protect institutional integrity. Ministers looked forward to the convening of the inaugural Strategic Communications Dialogue in Singapore in August to discuss common challenges and support domestic social cohesion and regional stability.

Forging New Frontiers

23. Ministers recognised the importance of innovation to create modern and dynamic economies. They reflected on the commitment under the CSP 2.0 to collaborate in future frontier domains, to develop innovative, and future-oriented solutions in emerging areas, including digital and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and welcomed progress made in 2026. Practical approaches on AI will realise the economic opportunities of emerging technologies and shape the development of international standards and governance frameworks, promoting safe, secure and trustworthy AI adoption in the region. Ministers were pleased to note progress in strengthening bilateral cooperation through the inaugural Cyber and Digital Dialogue, to be held between senior officials in Australia on 30 July to pursue objectives outlined in the bilateral MoU on cooperation on AI. They also welcomed continued cooperation on online safety to safeguard our peoples in an increasingly digital society.
24. Ministers emphasised that cybersecurity cooperation is increasingly critical to national security, regional and international stability, in a digital economy. Ministers welcomed the renewal of the MoU on Cyber Security Cooperation signed on 24 February 2026. The renewed MoU will enhance collaboration on cyber security through: information sharing, training and the exchange of best practices on regulatory, policy and operational matters; joint cyber security exercises; promoting innovation, trade and investment; regional confidence building measures; and regional capacity building, including at the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence. Ministers welcomed progress by officials to operationalise the MoU, including through senior officials’ meeting. They noted that Australia was currently co-chairing the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus Experts’ Working Group on Cyber Security.
25. Ministers underscored the importance of strong public health systems and international cooperation in preparing for future pandemics. Ministers noted the close partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic and welcomed deepening cooperation between Australia’s Centre for Disease Control and Singapore’s Communicable Disease Agency, through in-person meetings between the agencies, including recently at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
26. Ministers recognised the growing importance of the space sector as a domain of economic and strategic opportunity. Ministers acknowledged the establishment of the National Space Agency of Singapore and welcomed ongoing engagement with the Australian Space Agency, and recognised the successful convening of the inaugural Space Dialogue between senior officials in July 2026 as an important platform for advancing bilateral cooperation in the space sector. Officials exchanged views on topics of mutual interests, such as ensuring sustainable access to space, supporting industry growth, strengthening Earth observation capabilities for economic and societal benefits, and working together in multilateral and regional fora.
27. Ministers recognised the continued engagement between ANSTO's Australian Synchrotron and the scientific research community of Singapore. Ministers noted the multi-collaboration efforts underway to not only expand the current use of the Synchrotron but also to explore the feasibility of a new Singapore-led beamline to be built and operated at the Australian Synchrotron for the benefit of both nations.

Deepening Friendships and Capabilities

28. Ministers recognised the unique friendship between the people of Australia and Singapore and welcomed progress made to deepen and strengthen ties across education and scholarships, public service, culture and the arts and tourism.
29. Ministers noted plans for the inaugural Ministerial Education Policy Dialogue to be held at a mutually convenient time and location. The Ministers reaffirmed the close and substantive exchanges between our public services, and looked forward to productive discussions between our senior public service leaders at the 10th Singapore-Australia Public Service Roundtable, which Australia will host in October 2026.
30. Ministers acknowledged the announcement of the inaugural Australia Award Scholarships on 17 April 2026 presented to Singaporean recipients during Minister of Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong’s visit to Singapore.
31. Ministers welcomed the ASEAN-Australia Centre as a practical platform for strengthening people to people links and institutional partnerships between Singapore and Australia, and across the region. Ministers noted the Centre’s support for exchanges, grants and training across education, culture and professional networks, and the participation of officials, researchers, founders and entrepreneurs from both countries in these programs. Ministers encouraged its continued contribution to deepening bilateral ties and ASEAN regional engagement.
32. Ministers encouraged continued cooperation in arts and culture. They welcomed the renewal of the Australia Singapore Arts Group (ASAG) partnership for a third term, strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries. Ministers noted that Singapore will host the next ASAG meeting virtually in 2026, and the Cultural Leaders’ Forum and ASAG meeting in 2027.  Ministers were also pleased to note regular exchanges between Singapore and Australia’s cultural institutions, and encouraged continued cooperation in this area. They welcomed continued collaboration between Singapore and Australian institutions and arts groups, such as Creative Australia and the Singapore National Arts Council, the National Museum of Australia and the Singapore National Heritage Board, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Singapore Symphony Orchestra, under their respective MoUs.
33. Ministers noted the upcoming ASEAN-Australia Centre-supported Water Spirits immersive exhibition, a flagship cultural diplomacy initiative delivered in partnership with the National Museum of Australia and First Nations communities from West Arnhem Land. Ministers noted that the exhibition, which is expected to commence touring Southeast Asia in 2027, will strengthen cultural and curatorial links, showcase First Nations stories, and enhance people-to-people connections.

Regional Cooperation and Global Developments:

34. Ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments, and the economic and security implications of global crises. They recognised the heightened geostrategic uncertainty, threats to the international rules-based order, and the intensification of strategic competition across all domains. Ministers emphasised the importance of continued dialogue, restraint, strategic reassurance, and adherence to international law as the foundations for preserving regional peace and stability. Ministers agreed regional and global security is a shared responsibility based on relationships, rules-based multilateralism, and resilience.
35.  Ministers highlighted that enduring partnerships are critical in navigating periods of uncertainty and disruption and reaffirmed the importance of close collaboration between Australia and Singapore in responding to global challenges.
36. Singapore looked forward to working closely with ASEAN Member States and partners including Australia to deliver substantive and meaningful outcomes as ASEAN Chair in 2027. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to uphold ASEAN Centrality through ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus. They expressed their resolve to continue working together to support the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), through tangible projects under the four priority areas of the AOIP.
37. Ministers emphasised the importance of an open, inclusive, transparent, resilient and rules-based architecture in the Indo-Pacific region, where countries and peoples can cooperate, trade and thrive, where international rules and norms are upheld, disputes are settled peacefully and in accordance with international law, and where all countries have the freedom to decide their future without coercion.
38. Ministers welcomed Australia’s role as President of Negotiations for COP31 and support for the Pacific to host the Pre-COP in Fiji with a leaders’ component in Tuvalu, and looked forward to working together to advance multilateral cooperation in support of successful outcomes at COP31.
39. Ministers noted that Singapore and Australia are partner economies in various multilateral fora such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). They reaffirmed their support for the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core. 
40. The Ministers welcomed continued cooperation between Australia and Singapore to advance urgent reforms at the WTO so that it is able to address current and emerging global trade challenges, with a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system that is accessible to all WTO Members. As co-conveners (alongside Japan) of the WTO E-Commerce Agreement (ECA), Singapore and Australia welcomed the adoption of the ECA with Interim Arrangements on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in March 2026, and looked forward to its entry into force. They also welcomed the entry into force of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, and the overwhelming support for the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into the WTO legal framework. 
41. Ministers welcomed the progress made through RCEP, AANZFTA and CPTPP to deepen regional integration, promote greater regional trade and investments, foster innovation, and create growth opportunities. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding RCEP and the CPTPP’s membership and promoting cooperation between the CPTPP and the European Union, and the CPTPP and ASEAN.
42. Ministers emphasised the importance of the right of unimpeded transit passage of vessels and aircraft in straits used for international navigation in accordance with international law as reflected in UNCLOS. Ministers urged all parties to uphold their obligations under UNCLOS and customary international law with respect to navigational rights and freedoms, including in the South China Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, a strait used for international navigation, as well as to ensure the safety and wellbeing of seafarers and ships in the region.
43. Ministers expressed serious concern over behaviour that increased the risk of miscalculation and unilateral actions that could threaten peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea. They emphasised the imperative for all States to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS, without resorting to the threat or use of force or coercion. The Ministers emphasised the importance of any Code of Conduct in the South China Sea being consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS, and not prejudicing the legitimate rights and interests of all nations, including those not party to these negotiations.
44. Ministers expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Ministers reaffirmed their strong support for the ASEAN-led efforts on a sustainable resolution and called on the Myanmar authorities to make tangible progress on implementing ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. Ministers denounced the continued acts of violence against civilians and the destruction of public facilities. They called for concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructures, release all those unjustly detained, including political prisoners, and engage in inclusive national dialogue amongst all stakeholders. They also called for the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance without discrimination and the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel.
45. Ministers called on Russia to end its war against Ukraine, which is a violation of international law, including the UN Charter. The sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected.

Conclusion

46. In conclusion of the 15th SAJMC, Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing cooperation across all pillars of the CSP 2.0 and agreed to continue working closely to promote regional peace and stability, economic resilience, and shared prosperity.