PM Lawrence Wong: Singapore's Vulnerability and Deepening Ties with Africa

Singapore's Self-Perception

• 💡 PM Lawrence Wong clarified Singapore's self-perception, stating it is not a developed country but rather a tiny, vulnerable island exposed to numerous external challenges.
• 🎯 He emphasized Singapore's continuous effort to stay ahead despite its global reputation for innovation and good governance.

Strengthening Ethiopia-Singapore Ties

• 🚀 PM Wong's visit to Ethiopia marked his first bilateral visit to the African continent, reciprocating Prime Minister Abiy's earlier visit to Singapore.
• ✅ The leaders agreed on a partnership of equals, aiming for win-win cooperation rather than Singapore teaching Ethiopia.
• 🤝 This visit continued the positive momentum in bilateral relations, building on 55 years of diplomatic ties.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• 🛠️ Both nations are strengthening cooperation in skills development and deepening collaboration in sustainability, particularly through carbon credits.
• 📈 They also discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investments, as well as digital transformation and digital connectivity.
• 🌍 Singapore fully supports Ethiopia's role as host of COP 32 in 2027.

Expanding Engagement with Africa

• 🌐 Singapore will establish its first embassy in East Africa (third in Africa) in Addis Ababa, demonstrating commitment to Ethiopia and the broader African continent.
• 🤝 This embassy will facilitate stronger ties with Africa as a whole, enabling better engagement with the African Union and exploration of new cooperation areas.

Singapore Africa Partnership (SAPLINGS)

• 🌱 Singapore launched the SAPLINGS package (Singapore Africa Partnership Leading to Growth and Sustainability) to contribute to Africa's development.
• 🎓 This initiative offers customized study visits, executive education programs, and post-graduate scholarships for African officials in Singapore.
• 🧠 The goal is a two-way exchange, allowing African officials to learn from Singapore's development journey while Singapore also learns from its partners.