Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is embarking on a significant five-day state visit to Sweden from October 17 to 21, marking the first such visit by a Singaporean president and celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit aims to bolster diplomatic, economic, and business ties between Singapore and Sweden, highlighting the longstanding relationship and mutual interests shared by the nations.
During his stay, President Tharman will receive a ceremonial welcome at Stockholm’s Royal Palace and attend a state banquet hosted by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. He is also scheduled to meet with key Swedish parliamentary leaders, including Speaker Andreas Norlén and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, further solidifying political connections at the highest level.
A key focus of the visit is economic collaboration and innovation. President Tharman plans to engage with Swedish entrepreneurs and business leaders, emphasizing opportunities for cooperation in business, technology, and innovation. His itinerary includes visits to influential institutions such as the youth empowerment organization Fryshuset and the Stockholm School of Economics, where he will deliver a lecture.
The president and King Carl XVI Gustaf will also visit Gothenburg, where they will explore the Chalmers University of Technology and the World of Volvo automotive museum, discussing advancements in transport and business. These engagements are set against a backdrop of strong economic ties, with trade in goods between Singapore and Sweden reaching $1.9 billion in 2025 and trade in services totaling $1.4 billion in 2024. Additionally, Sweden’s foreign direct investment stock in Singapore was $9.7 billion in 2024, compared to Singapore’s $1.6 billion in direct investments in Sweden.
President Tharman is accompanied by his spouse, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, along with government ministers, members of parliament, and representatives from Singaporean business and government organizations. This visit follows a series of high-level exchanges, including the Swedish king’s state visit to Singapore in November 2024 and subsequent visits by senior officials from both nations, reflecting the robust and ongoing diplomatic dialogue.
With nearly 600 Swedish companies operating in Singapore, the visit underscores the strength of commercial ties and the potential for future collaborations. As both countries commemorate six decades of partnership, the visit is expected to pave the way for continued cooperation and shared growth in various sectors.
