France- Singapore relations in excellent shape: DPM Wong

Paris: Relations between Singapore and France, which go back a long way, are in excellent shape and on an upward trajectory, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said.

Speaking to about 200 overseas Singaporeans at a reception at Hotel Le Marois on April 11, DPM Wong noted that France was one of the first countries to recognise Singapore as an independent country back in 1965. Over the decades, both have built close and very strong cooperation across a broad range of areas.

For example, France is the only European Union member state with which Singapore has a strategic partnership. Singapore is also the only non-Nato country to have a military presence in France.

“This illustrates the depth of our relationship, the trust that has been built at very high levels between the two governments and our ability to work together in many different areas,” DPM Wong said.

Singapore and France will commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.

The people-to-people ties between both countries are deep and growing. There is a significant French presence in Singapore, including French companies, culture, culinary delights and luxury brands. The same is true the other way, DPM Wong noted.

“We are quite small, but still, the Singapore presence here is visible, and it is thriving and growing, and it’s represented by all of you,” he said, adding that they are ambassadors on the ground.