Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on 2nd January, reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations as the two countries approach 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2026.
In a press statement, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said both leaders acknowledged the milestone and expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation in existing areas while expanding into new ones.
“They reaffirmed the enduring strength of the mutually beneficial partnership that spans multiple domains, and looked forward to deepening cooperation in established areas and expanding into new ones,” the ministry said.
Wong thanked Trump for inviting Singapore to attend the Group of 20 Summit, which will be held in Miami, Florida, in December. Although Singapore is not a G20 member, it has regularly been invited to contribute to discussions.
“Singapore looks forward to contributing to the US’ G20 agenda, and advancing economic growth for all,” the ministry added.
In a Facebook post, Wong said Singapore would play a “constructive role” at the summit and support shared goals for growth and stability.
“I look forward to visiting the United States later this year to mark this important milestone in our bilateral ties, and to deepen cooperation in new areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and civilian nuclear power.”
Wong also thanked the US president for his leadership in advancing peace efforts globally, including assistance in securing a recent ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.
According to the ministry, Singapore remains a long standing strategic partner of the US, with cooperation spanning economic, defence, security, and people to people exchanges. Collaboration has expanded in recent years into areas such as cybersecurity, climate change, space, and emerging technologies.
The US was among the first countries to recognise Singapore’s independence in 1965, and bilateral relations have continued to deepen over six decades. The US Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in 2004, was the first bilateral free trade agreement signed by the US with an Asian country and has significantly boosted trade.
Singapore also hosts substantial US foreign direct investment, with thousands of American companies operating in the city state.
Security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the relationship. Agreements allow US forces access to Singapore facilities and support joint training programmes, including advanced training conducted by Singaporean pilots in the US.
The two leaders last met in person in October 2025 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. During that meeting, Wong presented Trump with a customised Republic of Singapore Air Force bomber jacket as a gesture of appreciation for longstanding US support.
“Singapore values our security partnership with the US,” Wong wrote at the time, adding that he conveyed Singapore’s deep appreciation for the support.
Wong’s planned visit to the US later this year is expected to further reinforce bilateral ties as both countries mark a significant diplomatic milestone.
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