Qatar plans new defence partnership and warns of energy crisis 'peak'
Qatar is preparing a new regional defence partnership while keeping channels open with Tehran, arguing that dialogue and economic ties offer a route to lasting peace. Doha also warned of an energy disruption “peak” with more difficulties on the horizon “in the coming days and months”.
On Monday, the ninth meeting of the Qatar-Singapore High-Level Joint Committee (HLJC) took place in Doha. Co-chaired by HH the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Singapore's Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Lawrence Wong, the meeting brought together ministers and senior officials from both nations.
The Qatar delegation was led by HH the Amir's son, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, along with other key figures from various ministries. Singapore's delegation was headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Energy Minister Dr Tan See Leng, among others.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Lawrence Wong reiterated the strong ties between Qatar and Singapore, and the HLJC's crucial role in guiding bilateral cooperation. They agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, with Qatar becoming Singapore's second Strategic Partner in the Middle East.
Both leaders welcomed the outcomes of the September 2026 Implementation Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) meeting and the IMM's role in following up on HLJC decisions. They expressed a desire to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy, sustainable development, security, education, and human capital development.
The Qatar delegation included ministers from foreign affairs, energy, and state for energy affairs, while Singapore's delegation comprised ministers for foreign affairs, energy, trade and industry, and state in foreign affairs and home affairs, along with senior officials.
The leaders emphasized the importance of trusted, secure, and responsible digital and AI ecosystems, including cybersecurity and digital resilience. They highlighted the defence services agreement between Barzan Holdings and ST Engineering, valued at QAR 1.5 billion, and encouraged further exploration of digital defence, maritime security, and expertise exchange.
The leaders welcomed the renewal of the MOU between QatarEnergy and Singapore's Ministry of Energy, Trade, and Industry on Cooperation in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Low-Carbon Technology. They expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East and commended Qatar's diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation in the region.
Written by urgent.news from The Peninsula Qatar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Joint statement on convening ninth meeting of Qatar–Singapore High-level Joint Committee thepeninsulaqatar.com
- Singapore and Qatar renew energy pact to strengthen LNG cooperation, move towards strategic partnership channelnewsasia.com
- Qatar and Singapore strengthen energy ties as PM Wong visits Doha dohanews.co
- Qatar to announce a new regional defence partnership aljazeera.com
