(Photo by Singapore MCI / Kenji Soon)
The Minister-President of the Free State of Saxony of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Michael Kretschmer visited Singapore on a working trip from 14th to 16th March 2019. According to a Ministry of Freign Affairs statement he called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and reaffirmed the warm ties between Singapore and Saxony, and agreed there was potential to strengthen economic cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
While in Singapore he also met Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing and Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung. The Minister-President was also the Guest of Honour at the Semperoper Dresden performance at the Esplanade.
HE Michael Kretschmer together with the German Ambassador in Singapore Dr Ulrich A. Sante and spouse. (Photo: Pawel Sosnowski)
Singapore, is considered an important partner for Saxony, especially in the fields of economy, research and culture said Mr Kretschmer. In the areas of AI, IT or digital studies or research he felt Germany and Singapore can also learn much from each other. In an informal note on social media welcoming the Ministerpräsident, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, “Education is an area where we can do more. Mr Kretschmer explained that many German tertiary institutions teach in English too, not only in German. He welcomed our students to consider pursuing their studies in Germany, or to spend a semester or two on exchange there, just as quite a few German students spend time in Singapore.
Singapore has notable investments in Saxony, in aircraft engineering and solar energy. The SAF trains in the Oberlausitz Military Training Area in Saxony. We also have cultural exchanges: the Dresden Semperoper Ballet is performing at the Esplanade. There is much potential to deepen ties, and learn from each other in many fields. Happy to see our relationship continue to grow!”
