Singapore and Canada pledge deeper ASEAN cooperation ahead of 2027 chairmanship

Singapore and Canada have renewed their pledge to deepen cooperation within the ASEAN framework, focusing on the upcoming 2027 ASEAN chairmanship that Singapore will host. The commitment was announced during Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan's official visit to Ottawa, where he met the Canadian foreign minister. Both officials emphasized the significance of concluding negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement.

They also pointed to continued discussions on joint capacity-building initiatives under the Singapore Cooperation Programme, aimed at advancing development cooperation throughout ASEAN. The timing coincides with the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations, marking a historic milestone in bilateral ties. The statements signal a coordinated effort to enhance economic and developmental links between the two nations and the broader Southeast Asian region.