Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, warmly welcomes Crown Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II on his first official visit, emphasizing the enduring friendship between Singapore and Jordan.
His Royal Highness Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II, the Crown Prince of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, was on his first official visit to Singapore from January 10 to 12, 2024. The invitation came from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, signifying the significance of this diplomatic engagement. The visit showcased the enduring friendship and commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
The Crown Prince’s itinerary included a ceremonial welcome, symbolizing the warm relations shared by Jordan and Singapore. A key highlight was his meeting with Prime Minister Lee, where both leaders engaged in meaningful discussions on various mutual interests. Prime Minister Lee hosted an official lunch in honor of the Crown Prince, further solidifying the amicable relationship.
During their talks, both leaders explored opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in public administration and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). PM Lee acknowledged Jordan’s support for the Singaporean student community in Amman and Irbid, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people exchanges. The leaders also exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East, including discussions on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of six Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), marking a concrete step towards closer collaboration in various sectors.
Crown Prince Al Hussein also held meetings with key Singaporean leaders, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship.
The visit extended to educational institutions, with the Crown Prince exploring the Institute of Technical Education and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. This underscored the shared priority of both nations on human capital development.
Accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein and key Jordanian ministers, the Crown Prince’s visit was more than a diplomatic formality. It served as a testament to the growing partnership between Jordan and Singapore.
In his toast speech, Prime Minister Lee reminisced about the historical ties between the two nations, emphasizing Jordan’s support for Singapore’s UN membership in 1965. He also highlighted shared values of multilateralism and a rules-based global order, recalling his visit to Jordan in 2016 and subsequent high-level exchanges that have fortified the relationship.
The visit of Crown Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II stands as a reaffirmation of enduring friendship and a stepping stone towards future collaboration between Singapore and Jordan. It marks a milestone in their diplomatic journey, symbolizing a shared vision for growth and mutual understanding.
Source – PMO
