A look back at the 55-year journey of friendship and cooperation between Türkiye and Singapore, from diplomatic beginnings to a strategic partnership.
On 12 February 1969, Türkiye and Singapore established diplomatic relations, laying the foundation for a partnership that has grown stronger over 55 years. Elevating to a strategic partnership in 2014, Türkiye and Singapore have become natural partners, with mutual affection evident in times of need. Last year, during the aftermath of an earthquake disaster, Singapore sent relief material to Türkiye, showcasing the deep friendship between the two nations.
High-level visits have played a crucial role in deepening relations. Notably, H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Singapore in 2014, the first Prime Ministerial visit from Türkiye to Singapore in 18 years. This was followed by H.E. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s visit to Türkiye in 2014, the first official visit from Singapore to Türkiye at the Prime Ministerial level in 24 years. The Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed during H.E. Lee’s visit, along with the comprehensive Free Trade Agreement in 2015, covering areas such as e-commerce, investments, and trade.
The friendship between Türkiye and Singapore extends beyond diplomacy. Under the Türkiye Scholarships program, 12 students from Singapore have been awarded scholarships at Turkish universities. Similarly, Turkish students study in Singapore under the TEV Scholarships program, enhancing cooperation in research and education.
Source: Republic of Turkiye MFA
