Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Diplomatic Institute recently hosted JS Sohan, Singapore’s ambassador to Qatar, for
a seminar on the countries’ ties during which Sohan delivered a lecture on Qatar-Singapore
relations.
Sohan said bilateral ties between
Qatar and Singapore are excellent during his lecture, which was attended by Qatari
diplomats and Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs staffers. He said they have
strong economic links, with Singaporean companies interested in operating in
Qatar and Qatari companies having a share of Singapore’s economy. He also said the two countries have strong
diplomatic ties, exemplary coordination in the
United Nations and a bilateral, high-level committee that was established in 2006.
Sohan said he believes strong communications and high-level visits
will continue between the two countries moving forward.
Shifting his focus to economics and
investment, Sohan explained the unique path that brought Singapore to its
current economic role. Gaining independence from Malaysia in 1956, Singapore
currently boasts a GDP per capita of $87,000 despite its lack of natural
resources.
The country has built its economy around innovation, and
while many multi-national companies benefit from an investment presence in the
small country, Singapore ensures that it also benefits from their presence.
Sohan drew parallels between Singapore and
Qatar in terms of their size and development, saying that the countries’
geographies have spurred their economies.
