▲ National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik (L) and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong hold a meeting at Singapore's presidential palace, Istana, on Jan. 19, 2026, in this photo provided by Woo's office the following day. (Yonhap)

Assembly speaker-Singapore

Nat'l Assembly speaker, Singaporean PM discuss ways to expand bilateral ties

By Yi Wonju

SEOUL, Jan. 20 (Yonhap) -- National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik has met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and discussed ways to upgrade the countries' free trade agreement (FTA) and expand bilateral cooperation, officials said Tuesday.

During the talks held the previous day at Singapore's presidential palace, Woo expressed hope that a revision to the FTA will advance their trade cooperation in supply chains and green energy, noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the agreement.

He also asked for Singapore's support in Seoul's bid to join the 12-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Noting South Korea's push to create a sovereign wealth fund, Woo called for expanded investment by Singaporean sovereign wealth funds in South Korean companies.

In response, Wong expressed appreciation for the bipartisan support of both parliaments for stepping up bilateral ties, including discussions on revising the FTA and cooperation in the areas of defense, nuclear energy and infrastructure.

Separately, Woo also held talks with his Singaporean counterpart, Seah Kian Peng, and discussed partnerships in artificial intelligence, climate crisis and energy.

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