Values, ties shared by France, S’pore ‘more vital than ever’

SINGAPORE — Amid uncertainties in the global system and signs that governments are facing pressure to turn inwards, it is even more important for countries like Singapore and France who value openness to work closely together, said President Tony Tan Keng Yam on Sunday (March 26).

Speaking during a state banquet held at the Istana in honour of visiting French President Francois Hollande, Dr Tan noted that the global political and economic environment has become more uncertain. He said that against this backdrop, being able to work with reliable friends like France is more important than ever.

“Our Strategic Partnership (signed in 2012) is a compact of shared values which represent our common vision of a world embracing openness, multilateralism, globalisation and the rule of law,” said Dr Tan.

On his part, Mr Hollande said France considers Singapore not only as an economic partner, but also as a friendly country.

“In this geopolitical environment of isolation, nationalism and protectionism, we have to lead by example and make our bilateral partnership not only strong and dynamic, but to show the way for opening confidence in international trade,’’ Mr Hollande said.

Dr Tan also said the ratification of the European Union (EU)-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will “reinforce the joint belief of Singapore and France that free and open trade will bring tangible benefits to our peoples”.

Singapore and the EU concluded an FTA in December 2012, after three years of talks. Under the FTA, the EU will eliminate tariffs on all imports from Singapore over five years, while Singapore will grant duty-free access for all imports from the EU. The FTA has yet to be ratified by all the EU.

Dr Tan added that Singapore looks forward to France’s support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, which will strengthen air connections between Asia and Europe. “(The agreement will) signal the value both our countries place on having a connected world rather than a fragmented one.”

The French leader kicked off a two-day state visit to Singapore on Sunday. It is the first state visit to the Republic by a sitting president of the European country.

Mr Hollande’s trip reciprocates Dr Tan’s state visit to France in May 2015, which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Bilateral ties are multifaceted, with cooperation in trade, defence, innovation and culture among other areas. 

During the state banquet attended by about 80 guests, Dr Tan noted that both countries have a long history of cooperation and interaction.

France was Singapore’s second-largest trading partner in the EU in 2016, and Singapore’s sixth-largest investor from the EU. There are more than 1,800 French enterprises in Singapore, and some 15,000 French nationals make Singapore their second home, said Dr Tan.

He said “strides” have been made in the bilateral relationship during Mr Hollande’s time in office, the most notable being the strategic partnership agreement concluded five years ago when then-Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault visited Singapore

“Since then, Singapore and France have deepened cooperation not only in traditional areas such as defence, trade and investment, education and culture, but also in emerging areas including space technology, renewable energies and nuclear safety.”

He also said the Republic “deeply appreciates France’s strong support for the RSAF’s fighter pilot training in Cazaux, which will mark its 20th anniversary next year”.

Earlier in the day, the French leader was accorded an official welcome ceremony at the Istana, followed by a courtesy call on his Singaporean counterpart. 

During the meeting between Dr Tan and Mr Hollande, both leaders reaffirmed excellent bilateral ties, based on strong trust between both countries, said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday evening.

“They took stock of the broad-based bilateral cooperation between both countries in areas such as trade, defence, culture, security, as well as education and research,” the statement said.

“They welcomed the strengthening of ties in these areas, and the expansion on cooperation in areas such as innovation. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, and agreed on the importance of free trade and countries remaining outward looking.”

On Monday, Mr Hollande will meet and be hosted to lunch by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The visiting leader will also inaugurate the Singapore-France Innovation Forum, launch a joint venture between French container shipping firm CMA-CGM and PSA, and deliver the 40th Singapore Lecture on “France and Singapore, Strategic Partners in a Fast-Changing World”. 

He will also visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens where an orchid will be named in his honour. As part of his tour of the region, Mr Hollande will also visit Malaysia and Indonesia after Singapore. WITH AGENCIES