Singapore, Thailand to develop multi-year ASEAN agenda; deepen cooperation on food security, AI and connectivity
ASEAN neighbours Singapore and Thailand are looking to deepen cooperation not just bilaterally, but on initiatives that could benefit the wider region."Singapore and Thailand are like-minded partners with a shared interest in a strong and united ASEAN," Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said during a joint press conference with Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul after their first Singapore-Thailand Leaders' Retreat in Bangkok on Wednesday (Sept 2). PM Wong said the two countries' excellent bilateral ties, underpinned by a high degree of trust and strong institutional links, give them a "unique opportunity" to work together across their successive ASEAN chairmanships.Singapore will chair ASEAN in 2027, followed by Thailand in 2028.Noting that some regional initiatives require sustained effort over several years, PM Wong said he and PM Anutin had agreed for their teams to develop a multi-year agenda that would build continuity and momentum from one chairmanship to the next."By doing so, we can sustain the momentum on important initiatives, and make greater progress on issues that matter to our region," PM Wong said.