Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.

[jw5]

Lawrence is settling into his new office.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Just over a week since the transition, and I'm settling into my new office. It has been such a busy time that I haven't had a chance to unpack! Stay tuned for more updates.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence called Thai Prime Minister เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin to convey his appreciation and thanks to the Thai Government.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Called Thai Prime Minister เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin this morning to convey my appreciation and thanks to the Thai Government for the assistance rendered to Singapore Airlines Flight 321 when it was diverted to Bangkok. Thai authorities and agencies helped to evacuate the passengers and crew, and to provide medical care for the injured. We are very grateful for the support.
I also thanked PM Srettha for his congratulatory message on my new appointment. Singapore and Thailand share warm and friendly relations, underpinned by regular high-level visits, extensive economic links, and frequent interactions at the people-to-people level. I look forward to working closely with him to elevate our bilateral and regional cooperation, especially as we mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025.
(

: Photo by [Top] The Straits Times, [Bottom] MCI Photo by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence received a call by Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Malaysia is our closest neighbour. We have a shared history, as well as common interests.
This afternoon, I received a call by Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan. We have met on several occasions in the past. But this is his first visit to Singapore as Foreign Minister, and my first time receiving him in my new capacity as PM. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to grow the win-win partnership between our two countries. Malaysia will also be the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, and we look forward to working closely together to advance the agenda for regional cooperation.
In my phone conversation with PM Anwar Ibrahim two weeks ago, he had invited me to make an introductory visit to Malaysia soon, before the annual Leaders' Retreat later this year. I am happy to accept his invitation, and will schedule an early visit to KL, as part of a series of introductory visits to ASEAN capitals.
(

: MCI Photo by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Alan Choe.

Lawrence Wong​

·
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Alan Choe, the first architect-planner of Housing & Development Board and the first General Manager of Urban Redevelopment Authority. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
I fondly recall the interactions I had with Alan during my time at Ministry of National Development, where he generously shared his insights on balancing urban renewal with heritage conservation. His pioneering work laid the foundations for the architectural design, quality, and planning that continue to shape today's Singapore.
His legacy will guide us as we dream and imagine new possibilities, and strive to create a better city for the future.
(

: Photo by The Straits Times)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence spoke with Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Lawrence Wong​

22h ·
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and I spoke today. I had a fruitful exchange with him last year when he visited Singapore, and it was good to touch base with him over the phone.
I thanked him for his congratulatory message, and accepted his invitation for me to visit Vietnam. We affirmed the importance of our bilateral ties and discussed ways to strengthen our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
(

:MCI Photo by Betty Chua in 2023

, PMO Photo

)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence met Philippine President Bongbong Marcos at the Istana.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Singapore and the Philippines commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Both countries share a warm and longstanding friendship, anchored by strong people-to-people ties.
Met Philippine President Bongbong Marcos at the Istana today. We last met during President Marcos Jr.'s visit for the Singapore F1 Grand Prix last year.
During our meeting, we welcomed the positive progress in expanding bilateral cooperation, in particular the recent upgrading of the Air Services Agreement. We also discussed ways to collaborate in emerging areas such as the digital economy, carbon credits and renewable energy. We agreed that the progress made in bilateral cooperation could serve as a building block towards an integrated ASEAN.
I look forward to working closely with President Marcos Jr. for the benefit of our region and our peoples.
(

: MCI Photo by Ngau Kai Yan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence welcomed the Lithuanian Prime Minister, Ingrida Šimonytė.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Singapore and Lithuania share many interests as small states with open economies. Our bond has been growing stronger over the years, with cooperation in many areas, such as ICT.
I welcomed the Lithuanian Prime Minister, Ingrida Šimonytė today and we took stock of our growing bilateral ties and discussed a range of important issues, including regional security and our cooperation in multilateral fora.
There is potential for Singapore and Lithuania to enhance our trade and investment linkages. Lithuania can serve as a gateway for Singaporean companies seeking opportunities in the Baltics, while Lithuanian companies can use Singapore as a launch pad to access the vibrant ASEAN market.
This visit marks Ingrida’s first time in Singapore, and I wish her a very pleasant stay.
(

: MCI Photo by Chwee)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence is glad to do his part.

Lawrence Wong​

·
For over 20 years, Singapore has hosted the Shangri-La Dialogue - a testament to our commitment to open and principled diplomacy.
This year's event featured a keynote address by Philippines President Bongbong Marcos and brought together defence representatives from 45 countries.
In a contested and fractious world, it's more crucial than ever to create spaces for diverse perspectives to be shared, and for dialogue and engagement amongst nations, especially when there are differences to resolve.
Singapore is glad to do our part to contribute to regional peace and stability by hosting such multilateral platforms, and fostering greater cooperation and understanding in our region.
(

: MCI Photos by Terence Tan)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was delighted to meet with Indonesian President-elect and Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto on the sidelines of the Shangri-la Dialogue.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Delighted to meet with Indonesian President-elect and Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto on the sidelines of the Shangri-la Dialogue. We had met recently at the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat in Bogor, and it was good to catch up again before he transits to his new role.

Singapore and Indonesia share a deep friendship, with many common interests and areas of cooperation. Pak Prabowo has contributed tremendously over the past decades to closer ties between Singapore and Indonesia. I look forward to attending his Presidential inauguration later this year, and working with him to bring our relations to greater heights.
(

: MCI Photo by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence had a good exchange of views on various geopolitical developments.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Singapore deeply appreciates the US Congress’ continued support for the longstanding partnership between Singapore and the US, as well as for a sustained US presence in the region.
Pleased to have received two bipartisan US Congressional delegations (CODELs). One was co-led by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and the other by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY).
Both CODELs are visiting Singapore to attend the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue. We had good discussions and reaffirmed our countries' appreciation for the strength of our bilateral partnership. We also had a good exchange of views on various geopolitical developments.
These engagements are useful opportunities to enhance our understanding of each other’s positions and discuss key issues of the day.
(

: [1] MCI Photo by Chwee, [2] MCI Photo by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was happy to meet Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, an old friend of Singapore.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Singapore has been a strong supporter of Timor-Leste's development, since before its independence in 2002.
Happy to meet Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, an old friend of Singapore.
Singapore will continue to contribute to Timor-Leste’s capability building efforts, and share the experiences and know-how from our own nation-building journey, such as in water management, education and skills development. We hope that this will enable Timor-Leste to progress in its development journey and eventually come on board as a full ASEAN member.
(

: MCI Photo by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence had good engagements with Defence Ministers from various countries on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Had good engagements with Defence Ministers from various countries on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue. Glad that the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chinese Minister of National Defense Adm Dong Jun had their first face-to-face talks here, and are committed to maintaining open lines of military-to-military communications. These channels are critical in stabilising security relations between the two countries, and preventing flashpoint disputes from spinning out of control.
Singapore will continue to work with all our partners in the region and beyond to promote constructive dialogue, and to safeguard the multilateral rules-based order that is indispensable for maintaining peace and prosperity.
(

: [1-3, 5 & 6] MCI Photo by Chwee, [4] MCI Photo by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence had a good meeting with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah at the Istana.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Had a good meeting with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah at the Istana yesterday. We affirmed the warm bilateral relations between Singapore and Qatar, and discussed ways to strengthen our bilateral cooperation.
I also got an update from him on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Singapore remains deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. We call for an immediate ceasefire and for the swift and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza; as well as the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
To forge an enduring peace, we urge both sides to resume negotiations towards a two-state solution, with the help and the support of the international community. The process will not be easy. But we have to try. For this is the only viable path towards a comprehensive, just and durable solution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
(

:MCI Photo by Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence welcomed Ukraine President Володимир Зеленський for his first visit to Singapore, and to participate in the Shangri-la Dialogue.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Welcomed Ukraine President Володимир Зеленський for his first visit to Singapore, and to participate in the Shangri-la Dialogue.
For more than two years, Ukraine has been fighting for its survival and sovereignty. Singapore has taken a clear and principled position against the Russian invasion of Ukraine because of what’s at stake - international law, and the fundamental principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. That’s why we are doing our part to support Ukraine diplomatically and providing humanitarian assistance.
Singapore shares warm relations with Ukraine, and there is scope for our two countries to do more together. President Zelenskyy and I discussed potential areas of cooperation in trade and the economy. We also witnessed the signing of the Ukraine - Singapore Air Services Agreement, which will pave the way for greater air connectivity. We look forward to pursuing more practical cooperation in the future.
(PMO Video)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wants to continue to show the world what Singapore and Singaporeans can do!

Lawrence Wong​

·
Singapore may be a small country, but we have Singaporeans making notable contributions at international forums.
Last year, Rena Lee, Singapore's Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues, was instrumental in getting over 190 nations to come to a consensus on a legal framework that would protect marine diversity in international waters.
Daren Tang is the Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Under his leadership, members of WIPO recently approved a treaty that will require patent applicants to disclose if their inventions are based on genetic resources or traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples. This is the first new WIPO treaty in decades. Coincidentally, Rena also led the Singapore delegation for this treaty!
Daren and Rena show that multilateralism is still alive and well. That despite an increasingly fragmented world where international institutions and international law have come under pressure, it is still possible for countries to come together to solve common problems.
Singaporeans like Rena and Daren keep our flag flying high on the international stage. Let us continue to show the world what Singapore and Singaporeans can do!
(

: Photo by WIPO/Berrod)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence appointed Senior Minister of State Sim Ann 沈颖 as his Special Envoy.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Switzerland will be hosting a Summit on Peace in Ukraine later this month and invited Singapore to participate. I had a good conversation with Swiss President Viola Amherd this evening and conveyed to President Amherd that I have appointed Senior Minister of State Sim Ann 沈颖 as my Special Envoy to attend the Summit.
President Amherd and I also reaffirmed the friendly relations between our countries and underlined the importance of working together to uphold the principles of the UN Charter.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali.

Lawrence Wong​

·
Singapore and Ethiopia have something in common — the lion. We share the same animal as one of our national symbols. Ethiopia has their unique majestic black mountain lion, and Singapore is known as Singapura, the Lion City.
I hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali and we have many reasons to celebrate tonight!
It is PM Abiy’s first visit to Singapore which also marks our 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. PM Abiy and I discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, including in areas such as air connectivity and logistics. As hubs in our respective regions, there is much that Singapore and Ethiopia can do together in connecting Southeast Asia with Africa and vice versa.
I look forward to working with PM Abiy and his government to strengthen ties between our countries and wish him a pleasant stay

(

: MCI Photos by [1, 4 & 5] Chwee, [2 & 3] Betty Chua)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wants to roar Singapore on against South Korea.

Lawrence Wong​

10h ·
The Lions take on the South Korean team in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers tonight - and they will be playing in front of a sold-out crowd!
Let us keep up the fighting spirit, and roar them on!
For those who could not get tickets, you can catch the match at 8pm on Channel 5 or MeWatch.
(

: Footage by Football Association of Singapore and Mediacorp)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence was happy to also have met with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on the sidelines of the IPEF.

Lawrence Wong​

21h ·
Singapore is proud to be an early supporter of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). It is a crucial platform for the US to enhance its economic cooperation in our region.
Singapore has been leaning forward to support the 4 pillars of IPEF - trade, supply chains, a clean economy and a fair economy. And today at the Clean Economy Investor Forum, we are here to turn commitment into action for the environment - to accelerate clean energy adoption, invest in sustainable infrastructure and more.

Good to also have met with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on the sidelines of the IPEF. We reaffirmed our strong US-Singapore economic ties, commemorating 20 years of the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.
Our expanding collaboration in semiconductors, digital economy, and emerging technologies like AI, will benefit both nations.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wants to take bold steps.

Lawrence Wong​

23h ·
The PAP is refreshing itself to better serve all Singaporeans. We will engage wider, communicate better and organise stronger to champion the diverse and evolving aspirations of our nation.
The journey has just started. With your support, we will take bold steps to renew the Party, deepen our commitment to every Singaporean, and take Singapore Forward - together!
#refreshPAP #TeamPAP #PAP4SG #PAP