Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat (right) welcoming His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden (left) at the Singapore Navy Museum.

His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden toured the Singapore Navy Museum, marking a highlight in his three-day State Visit to Singapore, as both nations reaffirmed their robust defence partnership.

SINGAPORE, 20 November 2024 – His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden was warmly welcomed by Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Sean Wat to the Singapore Navy Museum today. The visit showcased the strong and enduring defence cooperation between Singapore and Sweden, underscoring the mutual respect and collaborative spirit that define their bilateral relations.

His Majesty signing a guest book at the Singapore Navy Museum, accompanied by RADM Sean Wat.

Accompanying His Majesty were Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Maria Malmer Stenergard, and Ambassador of Sweden to Singapore, Mr Anders Sjöberg. Representing Singapore were Non-Resident Ambassador to Sweden, Mr Andrew Kwan, Commander Maritime Training and Doctrine Command, Colonel Rinson Chua, and senior officials from both nations.

During the tour, His Majesty received a comprehensive briefing on the rich history and operational capabilities of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), with a particular focus on its longstanding partnership with the Royal Swedish Navy. This cooperation is rooted in shared expertise in submarine and mine countermeasures operations. The two nations also actively engage in professional exchanges, joint exercises, and cross-attendance of military courses, demonstrating the depth of their defence collaboration.

His Majesty receiving a brief by RADM Sean Wat on the close defence cooperation between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Swedish Navy, including the training of the RSN’s pioneer submariners in Sweden in the 1990s.

The visit to the Singapore Navy Museum forms part of His Majesty’s three-day State Visit to Singapore from 19 to 21 November 2024. The trip highlights the warm ties between Singapore and Sweden, which extend beyond defence to encompass trade, innovation, and cultural exchange.

The museum tour also provided an opportunity to showcase the RSN’s storied history and Singapore’s strategic maritime focus. Guests explored interactive exhibits detailing Singapore’s maritime heritage and the RSN’s pivotal role in ensuring regional security and stability.

His Majesty (third from left) was hosted by RADM Sean Wat (fourth from left) and accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Maria Malmer Stenergard (first from left) and Ambassador of Sweden to Singapore Mr Anders Sjöberg (fifth from left). 

The event concluded with an exchange of tokens of appreciation, symbolising the friendship between the two nations and their shared commitment to peace and collaboration.

Source: MINDEF