Singapore considers Canada as an energy source — Channel NewsAsia
Singapore is considering Canada as a potential source of energy and food amid the risk of new disruptions to fuel supplies from the Middle East. Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated this in Ottawa, Canada, on September 19, Channel NewsAsia reports.
Risks to fuel supplies
According to Balakrishnan, Singapore must prepare for further disruptions to energy supplies from the Middle East due to the conflict’s impact on key maritime routes. He noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had become a very serious obstacle to exports of liquefied natural gas from Qatar, which is an important supplier for Singapore.
The minister said that the country is coping for now thanks to the diversification of supply sources. At the same time, he pointed to problems in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait area that could affect exports from Saudi Arabia. Singapore will monitor the situation and work with partners, Balakrishnan added.
During a stop in Qatar, Balakrishnan said that expressions of solidarity and the development of preliminary ideas to strengthen resilience in the future were important. According to him, Qatar and Singapore continue to insist on freedom of navigation, including in straits used for international navigation.
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Economic partnership with Canada
Balakrishnan called Canada an energy “superpower” in fossil fuels and renewable energy. Singapore is also exploring the possibility of more formal arrangements with Canada on trade in essential goods.
Singapore’s foreign minister and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand signed a joint declaration intended to lead to the establishment of an economic partnership framework. The countries are also considering opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and digital payments. According to Balakrishnan, individual agreements could be ready for signing within two to three months.
He also expressed hope for a significant breakthrough in negotiations on a free trade agreement between ASEAN and Canada. Singapore will chair ASEAN from January 1, 2027.
