Joint statement on third meeting of Qatar-Singapore Implementation Monitoring Mechanism in Doha

Doha, Qatar — The third meeting of the Qatar-Singapore Implementation Monitoring Mechanism took place in Doha, with the co-chairmanship of HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi and HE Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan. Both nations emphasized the strong ties and increasing cooperation between Qatar and Singapore, highlighting recent high-level visits such as Singapore's State Visit by Halimah Yacob in June 2023 and the Prime Minister's visit in August 2023.

Singaporean officials expressed condolences for the passing of His Highness Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, acknowledging his role in establishing the Joint High-Level Committee in 2006. The meeting reaffirmed the significance of the Joint High-Level Committee as the primary platform for guiding bilateral relations and the Implementation Monitoring Mechanism for regular follow-ups and practical outcomes.

Both sides reviewed the cooperation within six Technical Working Committees, focusing on Information and Communications Technology, Security, Business, Legal, Sustainability, and Social Development. They agreed to enhance cooperation between Singapore and the GCC, potentially upgrading the existing GCC-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. Qatar's recent admission as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner was also welcomed, as was the upcoming ASEAN-GCC Foreign Ministers' Meeting during the UN General Assembly in September 2026.

The sides expressed optimism about boosting trade and investment flows between ASEAN and the GCC, including discussions on an ASEAN-GCC FTA. They also stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation at the third ASEAN-GCC Summit during Singapore's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027. Concerns over the Middle East situation, particularly US-Iran hostilities, were voiced, with a call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Both sides agreed on the necessity of respecting navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law and ensuring maritime security and the safety of seafarers. They reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and active participation in international forums like the Forum of Small States and the Global Governance Group.

The meeting concluded with satisfaction and an agreement to follow up on the outcomes through diplomatic channels and the respective TWCs, with the next meeting planned for Singapore in 2027.