The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is in Singapore on a State Visit from 2 to 3 November 2017. President Steinmeier is accompanied by his wife, Ms Elke Büdenbender, parliamentarians, businessmen, and senior officials.
President Steinmeier received a ceremonial welcome at the Istana today, following which he paid a courtesy call on President Halimah Yacob. During their meeting, both Presidents reaffirmed the longstanding and excellent relations between Singapore and Germany, which span the economic, defence, education, and science and technology sectors. They agreed that it is important for countries to remain open to free trade, and President Halimah expressed appreciation for Germany’s support for the European Union-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA).
President Steinmeier also met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, during which President Steinmeier and Prime Minister Lee exchanged views on developments in the respective regions.
President Steinmeier delivered the 9th Ho Rih Hwa Leadership Lecture at the Singapore Management University (SMU), during which he engaged the student community on foreign policy and global issues. Tomorrow, President Steinmeier will visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where an orchid will be named in his honour.
President Halimah will host a State Banquet in honour of President Steinmeier later this evening.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
2 NOVEMBER 2017
