PM Wong: Singapore-Luxembourg ties can help bring Asean, EU closer

Singapore and Luxembourg share a close partnership that could help bolster ties between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the European Union (EU) when Singapore takes on the Asean Chairmanship in the coming year, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated on Monday. During a luncheon where Wong welcomed Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, marking his first official visit to Singapore, both leaders agreed on the significance of enhancing Asean-EU relations.

Wong emphasized that Luxembourg has consistently advocated for European integration, while Singapore has consistently championed a more integrated and robust Asean. He expressed optimism that collaboration between the two regions could bring them closer together, thereby strengthening the bond between Asean and the EU. Wong highlighted that Singapore and Luxembourg are also aiming to deepen cooperation in emerging and critical technologies, such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI), space, and satellite communications.

Notably, Luxembourg is the largest European Union investor in Singapore, while Singapore ranks as its second-largest investment destination within the bloc. Wong attributed their successful partnership to their shared worldview, acknowledging that all countries, especially small states like Singapore, flourish when the world remains open, interconnected, and governed by international rules.

During his three-day official visit from September 6 to 8, Frieden will deliver the 48th Singapore Lecture, organized by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, on Tuesday.