Stronger ties wit France, Germany will usher in more collaboration

Affirming partnerships important in today’s world, DPM Wong says during Europe trip

- Chin Soo Fang

PARIS In a new era of great power politics, it is important to renew and affirm close partnerships, even as Singapore moves forward in the troubled world, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

This is why Singapore will update its strategic partnership with France, working towards stronger ties with a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership ahead of 2025 the 60th anniversary of relations between the two countries.

Singapore and Germany will also work towards upgrading their relations to a strategic partnership, in recognition of the "growing depth and breadth" of bilateral ties.

DPM Wong, who is also Finance Minister, was in Germany from April 8 to April 10, and France from April 10 to April 13, during which he called on senior government and industry leaders of both countries.

When asked if these trips have helped him build rapport with overseas counterparts as he prepares to take over as prime minister, he said: "That is the purpose of these trips - it is really for me to be able to engage in these countries and, importantly, to engage the leaders whom I will be working with not just now in my current capacity, but also in the future when I take over (as prime minister)." He was speaking to the Singapore media in an interview at the Singapore Embassy office in Paris at the end of his first visit to Europe in his current capacity. DPM Wong had also visited China in May 2023, and the United States in October 2023.