President Halimah Yacob attends King Charles III’s Coronation in London, strengthening bilateral ties and meeting Vietnamese and Fijian Presidents. Singaporean community in the UK celebrates with joy and camaraderie at a reception, showcasing their unwavering passion for their homeland.
President Halimah Yacob embarked on a significant visit to London, United Kingdom, to attend the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The event was not only a grand celebration but also an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between Singapore and the United Kingdom. President Halimah participated in various events surrounding the Coronation Ceremony, including a Reception for Overseas Guests hosted by King Charles III, a gathering for Commonwealth Leaders hosted by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, and the Small Island Developing States Coronation Event hosted by the UK government.
During these events, President Halimah engaged with prominent personalities from the UK and discussed the longstanding historical bond and collaborations shared by both countries across various sectors. Recent bilateral milestones, such as the implementation of the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework, highlight the depth and breadth of the bilateral relationship. These achievements pave the way for closer cooperation and innovative solutions to address shared climate challenges.
In addition to attending the Coronation events, President Halimah had separate meetings with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who were also in London to witness the historic occasion. The meeting with President Thuong marked the golden jubilee of diplomatic ties between Singapore and Vietnam. Both leaders celebrated the milestone and discussed the growing bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as the digital and green economy. President Halimah praised the progress made on the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks, which symbolize successful economic cooperation. Discussions also centered on regional developments and the commitment to international law. President Thuong received an invitation to visit Singapore in the near future, further strengthening ties between the two nations.
During the meeting with President Katonivere, President Halimah congratulated Fiji on its successful Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chairmanship. As small island states, Singapore and Fiji share common interests and collaborate effectively at international fora. Bilateral cooperation discussions focused on digitalization and climate change, two crucial areas where both nations aim to make a significant impact. Singapore expressed its commitment to being an active and constructive Dialogue Partner of the PIF, highlighting the importance of collaboration on pressing global issues.
President Halimah’s visit also included a reception hosted by the Singapore High Commission in London for Overseas Singaporeans residing in the UK. Over 200 Singaporeans attended the gathering, showcasing the strong Singaporean community abroad. The evening was filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food, reflecting the passionate connection and pride Singaporeans hold for their home country even when residing overseas.
President Halimah Yacob’s visit to London not only celebrated a historic Coronation but also served as a platform to foster stronger ties with Vietnam, Fiji, and the United Kingdom. The meetings and events underscored the commitment to collaboration, innovation, and addressing global challenges together.
Sourced from Singapore MFA
