PM Lawrence Wong and President Emmanuel Macron formalise new bilateral framework with 13 key agreements.
SINGAPORE, 30 May 2025 — President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron is in Singapore for a State Visit from 29 to 30 May 2025. His official programme included a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House, this morning. He also met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong.
During President Macron’s meeting with President Tharman, both leaders reaffirmed the strength of Singapore–France relations, marked by regular high-level exchanges, robust economic links, and wide-ranging cooperation. They also exchanged views on global challenges such as sustainable finance, the green transition, and responsible governance in artificial intelligence (AI).
In a separate meeting with Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, the two leaders discussed ways to expand collaboration in frontier areas such as digital innovation, AI, civil nuclear energy, and the green economy. They discussed ways to increase cooperation between France and ASEAN, as well as the EU’s cooperation with ASEAN and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
A major highlight of the visit was the formal upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). This marks a significant step forward in the long-standing relationship between Singapore and France. The announcement was accompanied by the exchange of 13 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), covering areas such as defence and security, legal cooperation, education, AI, transport, and civil nuclear energy.
To commemorate the visit, Singapore also named a new orchid hybrid Dendrobium Emmanuel et Brigitte Macron in honour of President Macron and Mrs Brigitte Macron—a symbolic gesture reserved for distinguished state visitors.
President Macron is set to deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue this evening.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
