Singapore-Panama ties: There is considerable scope to deepen cooperation, says President Tharman

SINGAPORE, 6 OCTOBER 2026 —

Singapore has formally joined 41 other nations, including France, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, in supporting a treaty designed to ensure the Panama Canal remains open to all vessels during both peacetime and wartime.

The decision underscores the strategic importance of the canal to global shipping routes. By aligning with these 41 parties, Singapore reinforces its stance on maintaining unimpeded access to critical waterways. The treaty framework aims to prevent any single entity from restricting passage, thereby safeguarding the flow of international commerce through one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam emphasized the economic interdependence of the two nations during the visit. He stated that free and open trade is the lifeblood of both maritime nations. According to the President, there is considerable scope to deepen collaboration between Singapore and Panama, particularly in areas that support the stability and efficiency of global supply chains.

The state visit provided a platform for both leaders to discuss these shared interests and explore further avenues for partnership.

For Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region, this development highlights the growing emphasis on securing maritime trade routes that underpin regional economic growth. As a key player in Southeast Asian logistics, Malaysia benefits from the stability of major global canals. The announcement signals a coordinated international effort to protect trade infrastructure, which is essential for the smooth operation of regional export and import activities.

The next steps involve the formalization of the treaty provisions and continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries to operationalize their deepened cooperation.