Singapore says there is scope for further cooperation with Pakistan as countries mark 60 years of diplomatic ties

Singapore leaders on Monday (Aug 24) sent congratulatory messages to their Pakistani counterparts as the two countries commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Diplomatic ties between the two Commonwealth nations were established on Aug 17, 1966.

Since then, Singapore and Pakistan have agreed to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade facilitation, digital economy and digital finance, and capacity building.

When Pakistan's ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on then-President Halimah Yacob during his official visit to Singapore in December 2022, the two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding and friendly ties between the two countries.

Scope to expand cooperation, deepen ties

In his letter to his Pakistani counterpart Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that the two countries have enjoyed warm and friendly relations, build on mutual respect and understanding.

PM Wong also noted that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognise Singapore after its independence in 1965.

He added that beyond the bilateral and multilateral collaborations, there is scope for the two countries to expand their cooperation in trade facilitation, digital economy, people-to-people exchanges, and capacity building.

Signing off his letter, PM Wong said that he is looking forward to working with PM Sharif and his government to explore ways to further broaden the partnership.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan also sent his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar a letter.

Dr Balakrishnan said that the milestone underscores the longstanding friendship between the two countries, underpinned by close people-to-people ties.

He noted that Singapore and Pakistan have stepped up cooperation in capacity building and cultural exchanges, adding that there is room to explore ways to deepen ties for the mutual benefit as countries navigate evolving global challenges.

Trade volume between the two countries stood at approximately US$1.19 billion (S$1.51 billion) as at January 2025.

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editor@asiaone.com