Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is embarking on a historic five-day state visit to Sweden from October 17 to 21. This visit, the first by a Singaporean president to Sweden, underscores the commitment to enhancing diplomatic, economic, and business ties between the two nations as they celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.
President Tharman’s itinerary includes a ceremonial welcome at Stockholm’s Royal Palace and a state banquet hosted by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The president is also scheduled to engage with Swedish parliamentary leaders, such as Speaker Andreas Norlén and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, emphasizing the importance of high-level dialogue in fostering bilateral relations.
The visit will see President Tharman interacting with Swedish entrepreneurs and business leaders, highlighting the strong commercial ties between the two countries. With nearly 600 Swedish companies operating in Singapore, economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of their relationship. In 2025, trade in goods between Singapore and Sweden reached $1.9 billion, while trade in services amounted to $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 Sweden.
Beyond economic discussions, President Tharman will visit the youth empowerment organization Fryshuset and deliver a lecture at the Stockholm School of Economics, demonstrating a commitment to educational and social development. His engagements in Gothenburg, alongside King Carl XVI Gustaf, will include visits to Chalmers University of Technology and the World of Volvo automotive museum to explore advancements in transport and business.
The delegation accompanying President Tharman includes his spouse, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, as well as government ministers, members of parliament, and representatives from Singaporean business and government organizations. This visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries, including the Swedish king’s state visit to Singapore in November 2024, highlighting the ongoing strength and potential for future cooperation.