Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan welcomes African leaders to Singapore, highlighting shared opportunities for cooperation in trade, climate action, and sustainable development.
Singapore, 26 August 2025 — The Republic of Singapore officially opened the 5th Singapore–Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit, with Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan delivering keynote remarks to ministers and deputy ministers from 14 African countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Balakrishnan extended a warm welcome to delegates from Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, noting the significance of their presence during Singapore’s 60th year of independence. He said, “We are launching the fifth edition of the Singapore-Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit. This series first began in 2014. What we are trying to do is to foster close dialogue with our friends from Africa… It is especially significant for us because this year is our 60th anniversary as an independent country.”
This year’s theme, “Progressing Together towards a Sustainable Future,” sets the stage for candid exchanges on national development, shared priorities, and future collaborations. Dr Balakrishnan underscored Africa’s importance to global sustainability, observing, “Africa is brimming with potential. The future of humanity does depend on developments in Africa.” He also pointed to Southeast Asia’s growth and ASEAN’s expanding role in digital and green economies, adding that closer cooperation between Africa and ASEAN is not just possible but necessary.
Highlighting areas of progress, Dr Balakrishnan noted that Singapore has signed agreements with several African countries to collaborate on carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and that over 13,000 African officials have attended courses under the Singapore Cooperation Programme. He also encouraged African nations to consider joining the Singapore Convention on Mediation to provide businesses with greater confidence in cross-border commercial investments.
The Minister further reflected on the enduring ties between Singapore and Africa, citing past high-level visits and ongoing collaborations, including the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum. He emphasised that these exchanges “constantly refresh and expand the bonds between our countries” and will contribute to mutual understanding and prosperity.
Calling for stronger partnerships amid global uncertainty, Dr Balakrishnan said, “We need to double down on our partnerships between Singapore and Africa, and Southeast Asia and Africa, forge new partnerships, and strengthen existing ones. We cherish our steadfast ties with all our African brothers and sisters for the past 60 years of Singapore’s independence. It is our duty and our privilege to ensure that these relationships continue to flourish and grow.”
The exchange visit is part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation with Africa in areas including trade, investment, climate change, and capacity-building, and takes place alongside the Africa–Singapore Business Forum this week.
Source: MFA
