Kanzler auf Asienreise: Wirtschaft, Sicherheit und eine Orchidee: Merz in Singapur

Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz embarks on a four-day Asia tour to strengthen the strategic partnership with Singapore. Landing in the bustling, wealthy city-state not far from the equator, Merz is set to outline Germany's Indo-Pacific strategy in a principle speech at a Singapore Lecture. He plans to hold political talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, apart from expanding economic ties.

Security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, marked by territorial disputes between China and its neighbors, are also likely to be discussed. A joint declaration will set a roadmap for further implementation of the strategic partnership. Merz will also receive a unique honor - an orchid named after him, as is customary for high-ranking visitors in Singapore.

Previous orchids named after him include "Dendrobium Angela Merkel," "Renanthera Olaf Scholz," and "Dendrobium Frank-Walter Steinmeier." Singapore has already named several exotic plants after Princess Diana, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Japanese Emperor Akihito. The city-state often refers to this as "orchid diplomacy."

Germany and Singapore have a long-standing relationship in the fields of economy, defense, and research, with nearly 2,400 German companies operating there, generating 45,000 jobs and a trade volume of 11.8 billion euros annually. Germany is Singapore's largest trading partner in Europe, while Singapore holds the fourth position among Germany's partners in Southeast Asia.

Merz's visit aims to reduce Germany's dependence on China as a trading partner, especially for essential raw materials. This trip is his third as Chancellor to the continent, following a different approach than his predecessors, who visited India before China.