Marking six decades of diplomatic ties in 2025, Italy and Singapore reaffirm their shared commitment to innovation, cooperation, and global engagement.
Singapore, 2025 – Italy and Singapore are commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, celebrating a milestone grounded in mutual values of stability, open dialogue, and sustainable development. Over the past six decades, the two countries have cultivated a robust and multidimensional relationship that continues to flourish in areas such as science, technology, security, and economic cooperation.
As part of IN Diplomacy’s Singapore National Day Edition Feature, this landmark occasion is not only a celebration of the past but also a signal of future ambition. Both countries share an outward-looking perspective, with Italy contributing its world-renowned industrial heritage, cultural excellence, and technological know-how, while Singapore continues to serve as a regional leader in innovation, finance, and connectivity.
Economic and trade relations have formed a strong foundation for bilateral collaboration, but the partnership has broadened over the years to encompass cultural exchange, public diplomacy, and strategic engagement. Italian companies regard Singapore as a vital gateway to Southeast Asia, while Singaporean enterprises increasingly look to Italy for collaboration in design, food, fashion, engineering, and advanced manufacturing across Europe.
Scientific and technological cooperation stands out as one of the most vibrant pillars of engagement. Under the current Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, ten joint projects are currently underway, focusing on key sectors such as foodtech, artificial intelligence, medical sciences, robotics, photonics, quantum technologies, and hydrogen research. These initiatives connect universities, research institutes, and start-ups across both countries, reflecting a joint commitment to solving global challenges through innovation.
Naval diplomacy has also become a growing area of collaboration. In 2024, the Italian Carrier Strike Group, led by the aircraft carrier Cavour, made a strategic port call in Singapore, facilitating dialogue in maritime security and defence technologies. The same year, the visit of the training ship Amerigo Vespucci served as a high point in public engagement. The Embassy of Italy organised Villaggio Italia, a large-scale public diplomacy showcase that highlighted Italian excellence in science, education, and industry to thousands of visitors in Singapore.
High-level exchanges have further elevated bilateral ties. In 2024, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore visited Italy, meeting with key Italian leaders, while several high-profile Italian officials travelled to Singapore, including Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini, and Undersecretary of State for Defence, Matteo Perego di Cremnago. These visits have contributed to a structured and strategic dialogue between both nations.
Looking ahead, the upcoming visit of Italy’s President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, to Singapore is expected to mark a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. The visit is poised to reinforce ties across innovation, connectivity, defence, and economic development, further aligning Italy and Singapore in their shared vision for a secure, sustainable, and interconnected future.
On the occasion of Singapore’s 60th National Day, Italy extends its warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Singapore, honouring a longstanding friendship rooted in mutual respect and looking forward to deepening the relationship in the decades to come.
