Bilateral bonds have deepened over the years. Mr Lee noted that Singapore and Australia are marking the 35th anniversary of Exercise Wallaby, the Singapore Armed Forces’ largest overseas unilateral exercise held in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland.
He also highlighted the signing of the Singapore-Australia free trade agreement in 2003 – Australia’s first bilateral FTA with an Asian country – and the recent inking of the Singapore-Australia Digital Economy Agreement and the Green Economy Agreement.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, launched in 2015, is also expected to be upgraded when Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visits Australia for the 10th Annual Leaders’ Meeting later this year, said Mr Lee.
Beyond bilateral ties, Mr Lee pointed to Australia’s important role in the region, including becoming the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) first dialogue partner in 1974.
Reflecting on the ties between both nations, Mr Lee hailed the shared values, compatible perspectives of the world, as well as the “deep reservoir of trust built up over the years”.
“We both believe in the importance of an open, inclusive and rules-based multilateral order. Our societies are multicultural, diverse, and pragmatic,” he said.
“Australian leaders from both sides of the political aisle appreciate that Australia’s future is deeply intertwined with our region’s, while Singapore has consistently sought to be a steadfast partner and pathfinder for Australia’s engagement in Southeast Asia.”
He added that these “deep and extensive ties” did not come about by chance, but were the “fruit of sustained hard work, political will, and mutual trust built through weathering tough times together”.
“I am privileged to have played a modest part in strengthening this relationship. I am confident that Singapore and Australia’s friendship will continue to blossom and grow,” he said.
Another Singaporean who has been appointed an Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia was former Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in February 2005.
Former Foreign Minister George Yeo was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia in November 2012.
