Luxembourg City – Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his wife, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, began a state visit to Luxembourg from March 27 to 28, 2025, at the invitation of the Grand Ducal Couple of Luxembourg. This visit is a significant event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Luxembourg and Singapore and to further strengthen cooperative ties between the two nations.
Official Welcome and Commemorative Ceremony
On the first day of the visit, the Grand Ducal Couple of Luxembourg officially welcomed the Singaporean Presidential Couple in the courtyard of the Grand Ducal Palace. Following a guard of honor review, the playing of both national anthems, and the introduction of key figures from both countries, the Presidential Couple held an informal meeting with the Grand Ducal Couple. Subsequently, the Presidential Couple, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Chief of Staff of the Army General Steve Thull, laid a wreath at the National Monument of Luxembourg Solidarity. There, they met and greeted members of the Commemorative Committee for Veterans of World War II and representatives of patriotic organizations.
Political and Cultural Exchange
Returning to the Grand Ducal Palace, President Shanmugaratnam held separate meetings with Claude Wiseler, President of the Chamber of Deputies, and Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Minister of Foreign Trade and the Greater Region, to discuss ways to enhance political cooperation between the two countries. The Presidential Couple had lunch with the Grand Ducal Couple at the palace, and Deputy Prime Minister Bettel hosted a separate luncheon for the Singaporean ministers and members of parliament. Attendees at this luncheon included Lex Delles, Minister for the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism; Gilles Roth, Minister of Finance; and Léon Gloden, Minister of Home Affairs.
In the afternoon, President and Mrs. Shanmugaratnam and the Grand Ducal Couple visited Luxembourg City Hall, where they were welcomed by Mayor Lydie Polfer and members of the City Council. A performance by the ‘Pueri Cantores’ children's choir of the Luxembourg City Conservatory of Music further enhanced the atmosphere. Afterwards, they visited the Museum of Modern Art Luxembourg (Mudam Luxembourg), where they were guided by Minister of Culture Eric Thill, Chairman of the Museum's Board of Directors Jean-Paul Olinger, and Director of the Museum Bettina Steinbrügge. They viewed the special exhibition ‘The Family of Man’ featuring the works of Luxembourg-born American photographer Edward Steichen and the retrospective exhibition ‘Time & the Tiger’ by Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen, deepening cultural exchange between the two countries.
50th Anniversary State Banquet
As the final event of the first day, a state banquet hosted by the Grand Ducal Couple was held at the Grand Ducal Palace. The Hereditary Grand Ducal Couple of Luxembourg also attended, welcoming the Singaporean Presidential Couple. The banquet commemorated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and aimed to further strengthen future cooperative ties.
Significance of the 50th Anniversary: Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on March 17, 1975, Luxembourg and Singapore have maintained close cooperative relationships in various fields such as finance, technology, and culture. This state visit marks a historical moment in the relationship between the two countries and serves as an important foundation for future cooperation. Importance of Cultural Exchange: The visit to the Museum of Modern Art Luxembourg played a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries. In particular, the exhibition of works by a Singaporean artist provided a meaningful opportunity to introduce Singapore's contemporary art to the citizens of Luxembourg. Strengthening Economic Cooperation: Luxembourg, as a financial center, and Singapore, as an economic hub of Southeast Asia, play important roles. Through this visit, both countries are expected to strengthen cooperation in various fields such as finance, technology, and trade, and pursue mutual prosperity. Future Schedule: On the 28th, additional talks between the two heads of state and discussions on economic cooperation are scheduled to take place. This state visit is expected to further advance the friendly relations between the two countries and mark an important milestone in opening a new chapter for future cooperation.
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