Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is embarking on a five-day state visit to Sweden from October 17 to 21, marking a significant step in strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. This visit is notable as it commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations and is the first state visit to Sweden by a Singaporean president.
During his visit, President Tharman will be formally welcomed at Stockholm’s Royal Palace and attend a state banquet hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. He will also engage with key Swedish political figures, including Speaker Andreas Norlén and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, to discuss bilateral relations.
In addition to political engagements, President Tharman is scheduled to meet with Swedish entrepreneurs and business leaders, reflecting the ongoing economic cooperation between the two countries. He will also visit Fryshuset, a youth empowerment organization, and deliver a lecture at the Stockholm School of Economics. In Gothenburg, he is set to visit Chalmers University of Technology and the World of Volvo automotive museum with King Carl XVI Gustaf to discuss advancements in transport and business.
President Tharman is accompanied by his spouse, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, along with government ministers, members of parliament, and representatives from Singaporean business and government sectors, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the visit.
Economic ties between Singapore and Sweden have been robust, with trade in goods reaching $1.9 billion in 2025 and trade in services amounting to $1.4 billion in 2024. Sweden’s foreign direct investment in Singapore was valued at $9.7 billion in 2024, while Singapore’s investment in Sweden totaled $1.6 billion. These figures highlight the strong commercial relationship and potential for further collaboration in business, technology, and innovation.
The visit follows a series of high-level exchanges, including an upcoming state visit by the Swedish king to Singapore in November 2024. Nearly 600 Swedish companies operate in Singapore, underscoring the depth of the partnership and the ongoing opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.