SINGAPORE, Sept 7 — Singapore and Luxembourg’s close partnership could help strengthen ties between Asean and the European Union (EU) when Singapore assumes the Asean Chairmanship next year, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Monday.

Speaking at a luncheon welcoming Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden on his maiden official visit to Singapore, Wong said both leaders agreed on the importance of strengthening Asean-EU relations.

He noted that Luxembourg has been a steadfast advocate of European integration, while Singapore has long supported a stronger and more integrated Asean.

“I believe we can work together to bring our two regions closer, strengthening ties between Asean and the EU,” he said.

Wong said Singapore and Luxembourg were also seeking to deepen cooperation in emerging and critical technologies, including quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI), space and satellite communications.

He noted that Luxembourg is the largest EU investor in Singapore, while Singapore is its second-largest investment destination in the bloc.

“We are able to build such a broad partnership because we fundamentally view the world in similar ways. 

“From our experience, we know that all countries, and especially small states like ours, thrive when the world remains open and connected; when countries trade and cooperate with one another; and when international rules are respected and upheld,” he added. 

Frieden is on a three-day official visit to Singapore from September 6 to 8, during which he will deliver the 48th Singapore Lecture, organised by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, on Tuesday. — Bernama