The seventh meeting of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial
Committee (SAJMC) provided an opportunity for Ministers to reflect upon the
longevity, strength and substance of the Australia-Singapore relationship.
Ministers considered ways in which our two countries might increase bilateral
collaboration, and to build on shared strategic and economic interests in
addressing regional and global challenges.
In this regard, the Ministers
noted that the Australian and Singapore Prime Ministers had agreed to annual
leaders'-level meetings, when they met in Singapore in April 2012.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
Ministers discussed bilateral
trade and economic links, and noted that these had helped both countries take
advantage of regional and global opportunities. This was reflected in
Singapore's investment in Australia, which grew by more than 15 per cent over
the last 12 months making Singapore the fourth largest investor in Australia;
and in the growing number of Australian firms doing business in and with
Singapore.
Ministers noted the positive
impact of the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in promoting
closer integration between the two economies and called on officials to
facilitate trade and investment flows under the SAFTA framework.
Ministers reaffirmed the
commitment of both countries to free and open trade. Ministers acknowledged the
value of Singapore and Australia working more closely on regional economic and
trade issues, and welcomed the close consultation regionally and
internationally, both within and outside formal negotiations and organisations.
On the Trans-Pacific Partnership
Agreement (TPP) Ministers agreed that officials should continue to work closely
in pursuing a high-quality agreement.
Ministers also discussed the
proposed launch of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at
the time of the 21st ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in November 2012.
They viewed RCEP as another pathway to eliminating trade and investment
barriers within Asia and promoting deeper and broader economic integration
across the region. The Ministers recognised the significance of RCEP in
strengthening regional economic architecture, and committed to making RCEP a modern,
high-quality agreement, to promote further economic integration of the
participating countries.
Ministers acknowledged the value
of Singapore and Australia working more closely on ASEAN connectivity.
Ministers welcomed the successful
conclusion of the recent APEC Leaders' meeting on 8-9 September. The APEC list
of 54 environmental goods on which tariffs will be limited to no more than 5
per cent demonstrated the ability of APEC members to work together to open up
trade despite the global economic downturn.
Ministers affirmed the importance
of trade liberalisation for global prosperity and agreed on the need to find
new pathways to move WTO negotiations ahead with immediate priority to be given
to the negotiations on trade facilitation. Ministers reiterated the need to
continue strengthening the multilateral trading system and the role the WTO
plays in reducing trade barriers.
Defence and Security Cooperation
Ministers acknowledged that
bilateral defence ties have expanded over the years to cover activities
including regular strategic and operational dialogue , an extensive bilateral
exercise program, personnel exchanges, operational cooperation, facilitation of
Singaporean unilateral training in Australia and shared membership of the Five
Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. In
2013, Ministers will also hold the inaugural Annual Defence Ministers meeting.
This will formalise the close bilateral interactions between both countries at
defence minister level.
Ministers reaffirmed their
commitment to working together to promote regional stability and advance common
interests. Ministers welcomed the strong partnership between the Singapore
Armed Forces (SAF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the course of
their contributions to multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts
in Afghanistan. Ministers also discussed bilateral training and mutual
contributions to maritime security. Singapore Ministers expressed appreciation
for Australia's continued support for Singapore's training in Australia and
noted the renewal of the Oakey Agreement allowing Singapore Armed Forces to
train at the Army Aviation Centre in Oakey, Queensland.
Ministers welcomed existing
information exchanges and collaboration on security-related issues. Ministers
noted the value in police-to-police cooperation, underpinned by a Memorandum of
Understanding on Combating Transnational Crime and Developing Police
Cooperation. Ministers agreed to recommend that Leaders look to renew this
during Prime Minister Lee's visit to Australia in October.
Ministers discussed the
importance of enhanced engagement on security issues, given the uncertain
global environment and common security challenges. Minister also discussed
increasing strategic exchanges and information sharing in areas including
transnational crime, terrorism, border security, cyber issues and counter
proliferation. Ministers welcomed regional efforts to address irregular migration
and trafficking in persons, including through the Bali Process.
Ministers agreed that Australia
and Singapore should explore further cooperation, including through meetings,
on bilateral, regional and international cyber policy issues. This will include
cooperation on capacity building; economic, trade and security issues, and ways
of responding to significant cyber threats. Ministers recommended that the
Prime Ministers discuss this. The two countries also agreed to cooperate on
practical measures - including measures which could be taken forward in the
context of the ASEAN Regional Forum - and digital identity management
initiatives.
Other bilateral cooperation
Ministers discussed Australia-
Singapore cooperation across government services, including energy and
environment, science and research, education, health, sports, and social
services. This cooperation was reflected in the second Australia-Singapore
public sector roundtable which took place on September 3-4, involving 19 heads
of Australian and Singapore government agencies. Ministers agreed the public
sector roundtable had been productive and was assisting in deepening links
between the two public services.
Ministers noted new cooperation
in sports and looked forward to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
on Cooperation in Sport in the near future.
Regional developments and cooperation
Ministers noted the importance of
ASEAN unity and centrality in the evolving regional architecture.
Ministers agreed on the
importance of open and inclusive regional architecture, including the East Asia
Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers'
Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), in encouraging economic integration, contributing to
development and promoting stability and security.
The Ministers undertook to work
together to strengthen the role of these important institutions in promoting
regional stability. Ministers agreed that ASEAN and non-ASEAN members should
expand practical cooperation in the EAS priority areas of education, health,
disaster management, finance and ASEAN Connectivity. Ministers agreed that
Singapore and Australia should work with others to strengthen cooperation
between the various regional organisations and to ensure a successful East Asia
Summit in November 2012.
On the South China Sea, Ministers
reiterated that neither Australia nor Singapore took a position on the merits
of the various territorial claims, but had an interest in the maintenance of
peace and stability, respect for international law, unimpeded trade and the
freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Australian Ministers welcomed the
"Six-Point Principles" statement issued by ASEAN countries, including
Singapore, on 20 July 2012, which reiterated ASEAN's commitment to: full
implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China
Sea (2002); the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Declaration on the
Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (2011); early conclusion of a
Regional Code of Conduct in the South China Sea; full respect of the
universally recognised principles of international law including the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); continued exercise of
self-restraint and non-force by all parties; and peaceful resolution of
disputes, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international
law, including UNCLOS. Australia and Singapore called on governments to resolve
differences peacefully and expeditiously in accordance with international law,
including UNCLOS, and to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could
increase tensions.
Ministers welcomed the historic
transition taking place in Myanmar. Ministers shared the view that a stable and
prosperous Myanmar would make an important contribution to the region.
Ministers reaffirmed Australia's and Singapore's commitment to continue
supporting Myanmar in its reform process.
Ministers underlined the value in
Australia and Singapore's engagement on regional and global challenges. With
many shared views and interests regionally and globally, Ministers agreed that
Australia and Singapore hold regular strategic dialogues involving foreign and
defence officials.
Conclusion
Australian and Singapore
Ministers looked forward to the forthcoming visit to Australia by Prime
Minister Lee.
Singapore Ministers invited their
Australian counterparts to Singapore for the 8th SAJMC in 2014.
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