SINGAPORE: French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his two-day state visit to Singapore on 29 May 2024, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between France and Singapore. Accompanied by his wife, Mrs Brigitte Macron, he was welcomed with vibrant festivities at Lau Pa Sat, a famous hawker centre.
A Memorable Evening at Lau Pa Sat
Arriving just after 9 p.m., Macron and Wong navigated a lively crowd eager to capture the moment, with diners climbing on tables and chairs to snap photos. The atmosphere was electric, with enthusiastic patrons cheering “vive la France” as the leaders savoured local delights, including satay.
Official Meetings on the Agenda
On Friday, President Macron will attend a formal welcome ceremony at Parliament House, followed by a meeting with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The leaders will witness the signing of various memoranda of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation in defence, security, and technology sectors.
- Key areas of cooperation include:
- Defence and security
- Legal matters
- Artificial Intelligence
- Transport
Keynote Speech at Shangri-La Dialogue
During his stay, Macron will deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a major forum focused on security and defence in Asia. This reflects the importance of regional ties, especially as Macron continues his Southeast Asian tour, having previously visited Vietnam and Indonesia.
A Step Towards Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
In recent discussions, PM Wong and President Macron expressed a commitment to upgrading the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting the evolving dynamics of bilateral cooperation.
As Singapore embraces international engagement, Macron’s visit exemplifies the deepening friendship and partnership between the two nations—a connection marked by shared goals and innovative aspirations.