Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the dynamic development of bilateral relations.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Senior Minister of the Republic of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong in Akorda.During the conversation, the Head of State emphasized that Lee Hsien Loong's first visit to Kazakhstan is of historic significance for our 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 forward-looking policies 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, which are characterized by regular political dialogue, growing trade turnover, and an accelerated inflow 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 almost 500 and continues to grow," he said.
According to the President, Kazakhstan and Singapore cooperate fruitfully within multilateral formats. Both countries are rightfully considered middle powers. In this context, he noted the similarity of the two countries' positions on many issues on the international agenda.
The head of state also spoke about the large-scale political reforms underway in the country, aimed at further improving public administration and the political system, based on the principle of "a strong President, an influential Kurultai, and an accountable Government."The President emphasized that Kazakhstan places particular emphasis on creating a favorable investment climate and protecting the rights of foreign investors. He noted that a number of Singaporean companies and funds, including PSA International, Temasek Holdings, and others, are already successfully operating in our country. The two leaders also discussed cooperation in the transportation and logistics sector.
"We decided to build a new, modern airport in Astana to meet the growing demand for an aviation hub. In this regard, Singapore's advanced experience is of particular interest to us. Changi Airport, a recognized "gold standard" in global aviation, embodies a high level of efficiency, cutting-edge innovation, and impeccable service. We intend to leverage this experience in the implementation of this new project and take bilateral cooperation in aviation to a new level," noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The head of state also proposed intensifying cooperation between Kazakhstan and Singapore in the field of artificial intelligence and digitalization.
"Kazakhstan is a digital country. Its rapid growth as a leader in digital technology and artificial intelligence is driven by the state's ongoing structural reform. We have created a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence," he said.
Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong thanked the President for the opportunity to discuss current issues of bilateral cooperation and noted Kazakhstan's significant successes in socio-economic development.
"I congratulate you on the successful conduct of the first Kurultai elections. We support the large-scale political reforms being implemented under your leadership. Our bilateral relations have reached a qualitatively new level. We note the growing interest of Kazakh companies in entering the Singapore market. In this regard, the legal framework is steadily expanding. I am pleased to note the ratification of the Treaty on Mutual Protection of Investments and the Agreement on Trade in Services and Investment," said Lee Hsien Loong.
During the conversation, special attention was paid to the prospects for expanding ties in the areas of economics, transport, logistics, smart city development, agriculture, critical minerals, and tourism.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Lee Hsien Loong the Order of Dostyk, 1st class, for his significant contribution to the development of comprehensive cooperation between our countries.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
