Jordan-Singapore Relations
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic relations between Jordan and Singapore were established on 28 July 1988. Jordan has a resident diplomatic representation in Singapore since 2018, whereas Singapore has a non-resident Ambassador to Jordan.
The relations between Jordan and Singapore have grown steadily over the past decades based on mutual respect, shared values and common interests in promoting peace, security and development in the world. Yet, there are always new horizons to explore and to develop the bilateral relations even further; in trade and investments, cultural exchange, education, ICT and in other areas. Since the establishment of the Embassy in 2018, we have been working with our partners in both countries to develop such bonds between the leaderships, governments, entities and peoples of Singapore and Jordan.
His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Excellency President Halimah Yacob at the 2019 International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) in Singapore
“Our partnership in this and other global initiatives reflects the long history of our two countries and peoples”
“Our ties are constantly expanding and we’re looking at new areas for partnership,”
His Majesty King Abdullah II
20 June 2019
“The first resident Jordanian Embassy in Singapore was officially opened in November 2018. This historic milestone is a significant step in deepening the cooperation between our two countries in economic relations, vocational training, education, and many more areas.”
“As small countries with limited resources, both Singapore and Jordan need to remain nimble to deal with challenges in the external environment.”
Her Excellency President Halimah Yacob
20 June 2019
Political Relations
For decades, Jordan and Singapore enjoyed strong political relations on all levels. There were numerous visits by senior officials from both countries to the other respective country and the two governments have continuously coordinated positions on matters of mutual interest. Jordan and Singapore have collaborated over the years in the promotion of international and regional peace and security.
The Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism that was signed in June 2019, aims to further enhance political cooperation and coordination as well as explore avenues to promote relations in other fields.
His Majesty King Abdullah II met with His Excellency Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the State Visit in June 2019
His Majesty King Abdullah II
20 June 2019
Bilateral Instruments signed between Jordan and Singapore
- Singapore-Jordan Free Trade Agreement (2004).
- Singapore-Jordan Bilateral Investment Treaty (2004).
- Memorandum of Understanding on Water Resources Management (2019).
- Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore (2019).
- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Developing the Postgraduate Certificate in Islam in Contemporary Societies (2019).
- Undertaking concerning the Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Competency of Seafarers (2016).
- Memorandum of Understanding between Singapore Civil Service College and Jordan’s Ministry of Developing the Public Sector and Jordan Institution for Public Administration (2014).
- Memorandum of Understanding on Training Officials Under the Asia-Middle East Dialogue (2014).
- Agreement on Technical Support in Information and Communications Technology (2013).
- Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing a Regional Vocational Training Centre (2006).
- Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation in the fields of Arts, Archiving and Libraries (2004).
- Air Service Agreement (1996).
Cultural Relations
Jordan and Singapore enjoy unique cultural positions within their respective regions, but share common values of tolerance, diversity, moderation and open societies. In reflection of such shared values, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein was invited by Her Excellency President Halimah Yacob to deliver the keynote address at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies, which was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth of the Republic of Singapore in June 2019.
His Majesty King Abdullah II delivering the keynote address at International Conference on Cohesive Societies in 2019
“First, let us gather our forces, the billions of people on earth who seek peace and harmony. And I’m pleased that two Jordanian initiatives, “The Amman Message” and “A Common Word”, have inspired positive exchanges worldwide. Jordan also sponsored a UN initiative, the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week, to encourage far-reaching dialogues of mutual respect. And I congratulate Singaporeans for your sterling participation over the years, with a wonderful focus on young people.”
His Majesty King Abdullah II
20 June 2019
The Embassy continues to explore opportunities to enhance cultural exchange and organise youth programmes with the public and private institutions, universities, youth organisations and other related Singaporean and Jordanian entities.
In this regard, the Embassy participated with the support of Jordan River Foundation and Wild Jordan and the participation of Al Salt Folklore Group in the Hari Raya (Eid Al Fitr) Bazaar at Our Tampines Hub (OTH) on 8 May 2019, organised by the Our Tampines Hub and held under the patronage of His Excellency, Mr. Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Singapore.
Embassy's participation in 2019 Hari Raya (Eid Al Fitr) Bazaar at Our Tampines Hub
Economic & Trade and Investment Relations
To enhance bilateral trade and mutual investments, Jordan and Singapore signed in 2004 two agreements: the Jordan-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (which was the first free trade agreement signed by Jordan with an Asian country in the region and the first free trade agreement between Singapore and a country in the Middle East) and a Bilateral Investment Treaty.
In 2019, both countries signed in first initials a Memorandum of Understanding on the Avoidance of Double Taxation, which will hopefully be concluded this year.
Jordan’s exports to Singapore reached USD 77.04 million during 2019, whereas Jordan’s imports from Singapore reached USD 72.96 million during the same period, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. The total trade value between both countries in 2018 was around USD 33 million.
Singaporean exports to Jordan include electrical machinery, medical equipment, mechanical equipment, oils and chemical products. Jordanian exports to Singapore include textiles, machinery and electrical equipment parts, fertilisers, food products and chemical products.
The visit of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein to Singapore in June 2019 provided an excellent opportunity to stimulate bilateral trade and investment. A business roundtable was held on the side of the visit and was attended by the Minister for Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Supplies and the Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship of Jordan and representatives of 70 Jordanian and Singaporean companies and enterprises. The roundtable emphasised that Jordan can be a gateway for economic and investment opportunities in the Middle East and the Arab region, and a hub for Singaporean investors and companies wishing to do business there. On the other hand, Jordanian businesses and investors may establish presence in Singapore and benefit from Singapore’s position within South East Asia and East Asia in general.
Singaporean investors and companies may enjoy investment opportunities in the following sectors in Jordan: energy, ICT, agriculture, healthcare, industry, transportation, smart cities and tourism.
The Embassy is organising webinars and exchange visits between various entities in Jordan and their Singaporean counterparts in order to enhance cooperation between them and to promote the available opportunities for investment in Jordan.
As a result of COVID-19 and in order to adapt to the situation restricting travel, the Embassy is exploring digital avenues to promote Jordan. In this regard, the Embassy in collaboration with Jordan Investment Commission (JIC), Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and Enterprise Singapore, organised a “Doing Business and Investing in Jordan” webinar on 18 May 2020. The purpose of the webinar was to promote the available investment opportunities and advantages of doing business in Jordan. The webinar was attended by 37 Singaporean companies. Other virtual meetings and follow ups are being organised by the Embassy.
To promote trade and economic relations and connect businesses in both countries, the Embassy has been working with several entities in both countries. Those include Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Economic Development Board of Singapore, Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supplies of Jordan, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation of Jordan and the Jordanian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Tourism
Jordan is a country rich in history and cultural diversity, with many unique sites and ancient ruins that attract world class tourism. Jordan is also a destination for adventure and wellness tourism. As a result, Jordan’s popularity among Singaporean travellers has increased in the last few years. The number of Singaporeans travelling to Jordan increased from 5546 in 2011 to 9500 in 2019.
The Embassy is working on promoting religious, historical, medical and adventure tourism in Jordan, among others, that will enable the Singaporean tourists to see the beauty of Jordan.
Dead Sea
Petra
Water Sector
Jordan and Singapore are both scarce in natural water resources. Realising the importance of bilateral cooperation to overcome such challenges, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources of the Republic of Singapore (renamed to Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment) signed in June 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding on Water Resources Management, which will allow the two countries to benefit from each others’ experiences in water management and resources. The Embassy will continue to facilitate the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding and maximise its benefits.
King Talal Dam - Zarqa, Jordan
Marina Reservoir, Singapore
Education
Studying in Jordan provides an excellent opportunity for Singaporean students to learn about the Arab world, the Middle East and the various civilisations in the region. Hundreds of Singaporean students have benefited from this experience and have earned degrees from universities such as the University of Jordan and Yarmouk University, including in areas of Islamic studies and Arabic language and literature.
The Embassy is working towards enhancing cooperation among academic institutions in both countries to promote student exchanges, academic research and developing academic programmes.
During His Majesty King Abdullah II's visit to NTU in 2019
Visit to NIE by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Jordan in 2019
Meeting with the President of NUS
Public Sector Development and Vocational & Technical Training
Jordan and Singapore have extensive cooperation in the fields of public sector development and vocational and technical training.
In 2006, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Jordan’s Vocational Training Corporation and its Singaporean counterpart, and in 2014 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Civil Service College Singapore and the Ministry of Developing the Public Sector of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Jordanian Institute for Public Administration.
Several programmes have been organised and implemented in the last two decades between the relevant entities in the two countries. The Embassy continues to work towards facilitating and promoting this cooperation with our partners in Jordan and Singapore. Those include the Ministry of Developing the Public Sector of Jordan, the Institution for Public Administration of Jordan, the Vocational Training Corporation in Jordan, the Civil Service College Singapore, Temasek Foundation International and the Technical Training Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore.