An evening of tributes and reflection marks the departure of three ambassadors whose postings in Singapore have strengthened ties with Estonia, Belgium and Jordan.
Singapore, 17 July 2025 — Members of the diplomatic corps, dignitaries, and close friends gathered at Raffles Place to bid farewell to three departing ambassadors: H.E. Priit Turk of Estonia, H.E. Mdm Colette Dominique L. Taquet of Belgium, and H.E. Samer Anton Ayed Naber of Jordan. The reception was hosted at a Pan Pacific Hotels Group restaurant, with Ms Weiling Wee, Executive Director (Asset & Lifestyle), recognised for her support to the diplomatic community.
The evening was opened by H.E. Agustin García-López Loaeza, Dean of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps in Singapore and Ambassador of Mexico. His speech reflected the bittersweet nature of farewells, while honouring the professional and personal contributions of the outgoing diplomats.
Ambassador Priit Turk’s tenure saw the rapid development of Estonia-Singapore relations, underscored by the inauguration of Estonia’s Embassy and Business Hub in June 2023. The event, attended by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Singapore’s then Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, represented a new chapter in bilateral ties.
Trade between the two countries reached S$177 million in 2022, with a strong annual growth rate. Two key Memoranda of Understanding were signed in 2023, enhancing cooperation in digital services, wellness, and health technology. Estonia’s global standing in e-governance and digital innovation has aligned with Singapore’s Smart Nation goals, with further collaboration visible through Asia Tech and other regional platforms.
The state visit of Estonian President Alar Karis to Singapore in 2024, hosted by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, reaffirmed mutual values in sustainability, youth empowerment, and multilateralism. Ambassador Turk’s posting was a clear reflection of Estonia’s ambitions to deepen ties in Southeast Asia.
Since 2021, Ambassador Colette Taquet has been at the helm of Belgium-Singapore relations. Under her leadership, the partnership expanded significantly in sectors such as maritime cooperation, healthcare innovation, and cultural exchange. Her efforts helped restore direct air links between Brussels and Singapore and enhanced collaboration between PSA International and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Ambassador Taquet also promoted scientific cooperation and innovation, particularly in proton therapy and food security. Her role was central in supporting President Tharman’s visit to Belgium, where he was received by Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde — a fitting culmination to her tenure.
Her three-decade diplomatic career, marked by advocacy for sustainable development and European-Asian ties, leaves a legacy of integrity, empathy and global vision.
Ambassador Samer Naber’s time in Singapore was marked by an emphasis on cultural exchange, education, and economic cooperation. Jordan was the first Middle Eastern country to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Singapore in 2004, and ties have since deepened across ICT, smart city development, vocational training, and public health.
Both Jordan and Singapore have consistently advocated multilateralism, interfaith dialogue, and regional stability. The Amman Message and World Interfaith Harmony Week echo Singapore’s own multicultural ethos. During Ambassador Naber’s term, these shared values were further amplified through dialogue, community engagement and people-to-people diplomacy.
As noted during the evening, his contributions reflect not only diplomatic success but also a deep cultural and humanitarian connection between Jordan and Singapore.
The evening concluded with well wishes for the three ambassadors as they embark on new chapters in their diplomatic journeys. The gathering also served as a reminder of how strong personal leadership, underpinned by shared values, continues to drive international cooperation, even as postings change.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters
