Singapore is an important strategic partner for Germany, Chancellor Scholz says

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed Tuesday to enhance defense cooperation with Singapore and underlined its importance of the security and stability in Southeast Asia.

“Singapore is an important strategic partner for Germany,” Scholz said at a ceremony in Kiel for the launch of two submarines built for the Singaporean Navy.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attended the ceremony, along with the Singaporean foreign and defense ministers.

Scholz said Berlin attaches great importance to developing ties with partners in Southeast Asia and Lee’s visit demonstrates the political will on both sides to deepen the cooperation.

“We are united by economic and geopolitical interests,” Scholz stressed. “We have intensive armaments cooperation, in addition to that, by sending our Bayern frigate to the region last year, and by sending six Eurofighter jets this year, we have underlined the importance of this region.”

Scholz said the two countries will look for ways to enhance cooperation in climate protection, innovation and transition to renewable energy.