Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Korea, Singapore seek stronger strategic partnership as global risks grow
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, right, meets with Singapore’s Ambassador to Korea Wong Kai Kiun at the Assembly in Seoul, Tuesday, to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Courtesy of Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly
By Kim Hyun-bin
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik met with Singapore’s ambassador to Korea earlier this week to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation as both countries navigate growing global uncertainty, according to the National Assembly.
Woo received Ambassador Wong Kai Jiun at his office at the National Assembly in Seoul, where he highlighted the importance of trust-based strategic cooperation between Korea and Singapore, which marked 50 years of diplomatic relations last year.
“Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1975, Korea and Singapore have consistently supported the free trade order,” Woo said. “At a time of increasing uncertainty in the international environment, it is important for the two countries to further strengthen strategic cooperation based on mutual trust.”
Woo also referred to his upcoming official visit to Singapore scheduled for next week, saying he looked forward to holding “meaningful and constructive discussions” on expanding cooperation between the two legislatures. He added that the visit would offer an opportunity to closely examine Singapore’s policies aimed at protecting vulnerable groups, including senior citizens and people with disabilities, as well as its responses to rapid population aging, an issue increasingly shared by both societies.
During the meeting, Woo outlined several areas for deepening cooperation, including expanded exchanges and collaboration between Korean and Singaporean companies, mutually beneficial improvements to the Korea–Singapore Free Trade Agreement and the Korea–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, and joint research initiatives to help build advanced industrial ecosystems and strengthen supply chain resilience.
He also called for enhanced institutional support for people-to-people exchanges, including working holiday programs, stressing the importance of nurturing future-oriented ties between younger generations in both countries and promoting deeper mutual understanding.
Wong welcomed Woo’s remarks, noting that the recent elevation of bilateral relations has created a solid foundation for broader cooperation across five major areas: politics, security and public affairs; trade and economic cooperation; sustainability, green growth and energy transition; advanced technology research; and people-to-people exchanges.
He also expressed hope for Korea’s continued interest and support for regional initiatives, including the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the ASEAN Power Grid project, saying cooperation in these areas would contribute to stronger regional connectivity, economic resilience and sustainable development.