On 27 August 2024, four foreign Heads of Mission presented their credentials to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Istana, marking their official roles as ambassadors to Singapore.

Singapore, August 27, 2024 — Several foreign Heads of Mission formally presented their credentials to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in separate ceremonies at the Istana today. The ceremonies welcomed the new ambassadors from the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Norway, Brunei Darussalam, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

HER EXCELLENCY BETTINA FANGHÄNEL
AMBASSADOR OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore (MCI)

Her Excellency Bettina Fanghänel was appointed as Ambassador of Germany to Singapore. Ambassador Fanghänel brings nearly two decades of diplomatic experience, having previously served as Head of the State Secretaries’ Office at the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin and held postings at Germany’s Embassy in Beijing.

HIS EXCELLENCY LEIF TRANA
AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore (MCI)

His Excellency Leif Trana was appointed as Ambassador of Norway to Singapore. Ambassador Trana is a seasoned foreign service officer with extensive experience in trade policy and economic analysis, having held various positions at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including postings in Riyadh and Washington.

HER EXCELLENCY HAJAH NOOR QAMAR BINTI HAJI SULAIMAN
HIGH COMMISSIONER OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore (MCI)

Her Excellency Hajah Noor Qamar binti Haji Sulaiman took office as High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Singapore. High Commissioner Hajah Noor Qamar has a long-standing diplomatic career, including serving as Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations in New York and holding various roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

HIS EXCELLENCY RI KIL SONG
AMBASSADOR OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore (MCI)

His Excellency Ri Kil Song was appointed as Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to Singapore. Ambassador Ri has served in multiple capacities within the DPRK’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including as Vice Minister for Asian and Oceanian Affairs and postings at the DPRK’s Embassy in Cambodia.

President Tharman welcomed each ambassador, acknowledging their roles in strengthening bilateral relations between their respective countries and Singapore. The ceremonies underscored Singapore’s commitment to fostering strong diplomatic ties and international cooperation.

Source: MFA