Singapore ties to be strengthened during visit by Tony Abbott

Tony Abbott will fly to Singapore on Saturday to sign a historic comprehensive strategic partnership with the island-nation.

Tony Abbott with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during bilateral talks on the APEC sidelines in Bali. Picture: Ray Strange

Tony Abbott will visit Singapore on Saturday to conclude a historic comprehensive strategic partnership with the island-­nation.

The two-day trip will seal an agreement leading to deeper co-operation on economic, diplomatic and defence issues, as well as in the fields of research, education, culture and the arts.

The Prime Minister will also deliver the 35th Singapore Lecture on the topic of Our Common Challenges: Strengthening Security in the Region.

It is believed Mr Abbott will address the international terrorist threat and it is likely that his visit will see enhanced counter-terrorism co-operation between Australia and Singapore.

Singapore, despite its small population of about six million, is Australia’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. Total two-way trade is worth about $70 billion and Singapore is Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner overall. Singapore is also one of the largest foreign investors in Australia.

Mr Abbott is known to hold a view that Australia and Singapore can develop a uniquely close level of co-operation across virtually all sectors of society. This view is shared by the Singaporean government.