Kazakhstan and Singapore to expand cooperation - Tokayev names key areas

Tengrinews.kz — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with Senior Minister of the Republic of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, citing Akorda.
During the discussion, the Head of State emphasized that Lee Hsien Loong's first visit to Kazakhstan carries historical significance for the country.

"Exactly 35 years ago, in September 1991—at the dawn of Kazakhstan's independence—your father Lee Kuan Yew visited our country. His visit laid a solid foundation for our bilateral relations. We highly value the visionary policy of Singapore's leadership and its impressive transformation into a global hub for finance, trade, innovation, and technology. Your country's experience serves as an inspiring example for the entire international community," the President said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the dynamic development of bilateral relations, characterized by regular political dialogue, growth in trade turnover, and an accelerating influx of Singaporean capital into Kazakhstan.

"In fact, Kazakhstan and Singapore remain each other's largest trading partners in their respective regions—Central and Southeast Asia. The number of companies with Singaporean capital in our country has reached nearly 500 and continues to grow," he said.

According to the President, Kazakhstan and Singapore cooperate fruitfully within multilateral frameworks. Both countries are rightfully considered middle powers. In this context, he noted the similarity of the two states' positions on many issues on the international agenda.
Meeting between Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Lee Hsien Loong / Akorda Press Service
The Head of State also spoke about the large-scale political transformations underway in the country, aimed at further improving public administration and the political system, based on the principle of a "Strong President, influential Kurultai, and accountable Government."
The President emphasized that Kazakhstan pays special attention to creating a favorable investment climate and protecting the rights of foreign investors. According to him, a number of Singaporean companies and funds, including PSA International, Temasek Holdings, and others, are already operating successfully in our country.
In addition, the interlocutors discussed cooperation in the transport and logistics sector.

"We have decided to build a new, modern airport in Astana to meet the growing needs for aviation hub development. In this regard, Singapore's advanced experience is of particular interest to us. Changi Airport, as a recognized 'gold standard' of world aviation, personifies a high level of efficiency, advanced innovation, and impeccable service quality. We intend to utilize this experience in implementing our new project and take bilateral cooperation in the aviation sector to a new level," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.

The Head of State also proposed intensifying cooperation between Kazakhstan and Singapore in the fields of artificial intelligence and digitalization.

"Kazakhstan is a digital country. The rapid growth of Kazakhstan as a leader in digital technology and artificial intelligence is driven by the state's structural reforms. We have created a ministry for artificial intelligence and digital development, and declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence," he announced.

Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong thanked the President for the opportunity to discuss topical issues of bilateral cooperation and noted Kazakhstan's significant achievements in socio-economic development.
Senior Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong / Akorda Press Service

"I congratulate you on the successful holding of the first Kurultai elections. We support the large-scale political reforms being carried out under your leadership. Our bilateral relations have reached a qualitatively new level. We note the growing interest of Kazakhstani companies in entering the Singapore market. In this regard, the legal framework is consistently expanding. I note with satisfaction the ratification of the agreement on the mutual protection of investments and the agreement on trade in services and investments," Lee Hsien Loong said.

During the conversation, special attention was paid to the prospects for building ties in the fields of economy, transport, logistics, smart city development, agriculture, critical minerals, and tourism.
Awarding of Lee Hsien Loong / Akorda Press Service
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Lee Hsien Loong the Order of "Dostyk" (Friendship) 1st Class for his significant contribution to the development of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.