Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made an official visit to Singapore from 9 to 11 April 2026. On 10 April, he met Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Istana for bilateral talks, followed by a joint press conference and a hosted lunch. The two leaders signed a Joint Statement on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies, outlining concrete steps to strengthen supply chain cooperation between the two countries.
The visit was driven by the ongoing energy crisis and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted global energy supply chains. Singapore is one of Australia’s top suppliers of refined petroleum products, while Australia is one of Singapore’s top suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The two countries depend on each other for energy security, making this meeting of practical importance.
More than half of Australia’s supply of refined gasoline comes from Singapore. Australia, in turn, provides roughly one-third of Singapore’s LNG imports. The visit built upon an earlier Joint Statement on Energy Security issued on 23 March 2026, in which both leaders had already reaffirmed their commitments to keep essential goods flowing.
The two prime ministers signed the Joint Statement on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies, which reaffirmed the bilateral relationship under the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2.0, launched in October 2025.
Under the agreement, both leaders committed to keeping supply chains open and supporting the unimpeded flow of essential goods. Singapore reaffirmed its commitment to continue supplying refined petroleum products, including diesel, to Australia, provided it continues to receive upstream crude oil. Australia affirmed it would continue to supply LNG to Singapore.
The statement directed ministers to conclude a legally binding protocol to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) on economic resilience and essential supplies. It also established two new platforms: an Australia–Singapore Economic Resilience Dialogue, co-chaired by senior officials, and an inaugural Energy Ministerial Dialogue.
At the joint press conference, PM Wong said: “These are uncertain and unprecedented times. But it is precisely in such times that partnerships matter most.”
PM Albanese described the bilateral coordination as essential, calling it a “win-win” for both nations.
PM Albanese posted, X: “Singapore is one of Australia’s most important fuel suppliers, helping to keep our economy and people moving. Today, Prime Minister Wong and I agreed to make maximum efforts to deliver energy security for both our nations.”
In a post on X, PM Wong wrote: “Our partnership with Australia remains strong, from energy cooperation to securing food and essential supplies. As trusted partners, we will work together to navigate this crisis and emerge stronger and more resilient.”
During his three-day visit, PM Albanese also toured the Singapore LNG Terminal and the Singapore Refining Company on Jurong Island—key sites in Singapore’s energy infrastructure.
