CANBERRA - The prime ministers of Australia and Singapore on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism after meeting in Canberra to launch an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership.

Speaking at a joint press conference after meeting Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese at Parliament House, Singaporean PM Lawrence Wong said that both countries are taking concrete steps to keep multilateralism alive and effective.

Wong said that many of the joint initiatives between Singapore and Australia will not only deliver bilateral benefits, but also act as pathfinders for the wider world.

Albanese said that Australia and Singapore share a common worldview about the importance of multilateralism amid recent global uncertainty.

The meeting between the two leaders in Canberra marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Singapore and the 10th anniversary since the nations entered into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

A joint statement issued by the leaders said that the partnership between the two nations in the areas of science and innovation, health and pandemic preparedness would contribute to regional prosperity and "set new benchmarks" for international cooperation.