During a state visit, Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf discusses strengthening collaboration in maritime security and technology with Singapore.
Sweden is looking to deepen its defence relationship with Singapore, particularly in the area of maritime security, as highlighted during the recent state visit by King Carl XVI Gustaf, which concluded on November 21, 2024. The visit focused on expanding existing defence agreements and fostering closer cooperation between the two nations in both military and technological domains.
King Carl XVI Gustaf, a former naval officer, participated in several maritime-related activities during his trip, such as riding on the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s Red Manta rescue vessel and touring the Singapore Navy Museum. These activities emphasized Sweden’s commitment to strengthening maritime security partnerships with Singapore.
During the visit, Swedish officials, including Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, discussed how both countries could collaborate more closely on defence and security, particularly given their shared interest in maintaining safe sea lines of communication and upholding international rules-based order. Malmer Stenergard noted that both nations rely heavily on safe and open sea routes, with Singapore’s strategic location in the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea playing a critical role in ensuring global trade flows.
In a bid to boost technological collaboration, the Swedish Ministry of Defence and Singapore’s Ministry of Defence signed an agreement on November 15, expanding a 1998 memorandum of understanding (MOU). This new agreement will facilitate partnerships between start-ups, universities, and small to medium-sized enterprises from both countries to advance dual-use technologies with civilian and military applications. Additionally, Sweden’s Saab defense firm and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency extended their cooperation to include underwater technology for maritime security.
At the Raffles Hotel on November 20, Malmer Stenergard also highlighted the growing geopolitical importance of the Indo-Pacific region, stressing the need for nations like Sweden and Singapore to protect global order against rising challenges, particularly from China’s increasing military capabilities.
The King’s visit also underscored the wider cooperation between Singapore and Sweden, with several other MOUs signed in areas like aviation, energy, healthcare innovation, and transport. Furthermore, King Carl XVI Gustaf visited PSA International and Pasir Panjang Terminal to explore opportunities for Swedish companies to engage with Singapore’s maritime industry.
The state visit concluded with a cultural exchange, as the King visited Gardens by the Bay to learn about Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus and previewed a Swedish-themed display in the Flower Dome. The visit also allowed him to enjoy Singaporean delicacies at Satay by the Bay.
Both nations expressed confidence that their shared commitment to a fair and just world order would lead to even stronger bilateral ties in the future.
