Singapore, Germany to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership

Singapore and Germany will work more closely in areas such as security, artificial intelligence (AI) and clean energy, following a decision to elevate ties between both countries to a strategic partnership.

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The announcement followed a meeting between Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Nov 18.

Both leaders are in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the Group of 20 (G-20) summit.

As part of the strategic partnership, both countries will increase high-level engagements and visits, given the "growing strategic convergence of interests" between them, said Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement.

Militaries on both sides will deepen cooperation on digitalisation and cyber security, while both countries will set up a secure line of communication to exchange information.

Singapore and Germany also plan to work together on AI security, including setting international standards for secure AI.

In addition, they will exchange knowledge on how to manage packaging waste and electronic waste, as well as look at coastal protection and managing stormwater in an urban environment as part of climate resilience.