PM Lee congratulates new French PM Gabriel Attal

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has congratulated newly appointed French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, saying he is looking forward to working with him to deepen relations between Singapore and France.

Mr Attal became the youngest French prime minister ever when he was appointed on Jan 9. He replaced Elisabeth Borne in the role.

In a letter to Mr Attal dated Tuesday (Jan 16), Mr Lee noted that Singapore and France are strategic partners who enjoy a “multi-faceted and substantive relationship”.

“We collaborate extensively in a multitude of areas including trade and investment, energy, defence, innovation, culture and education,” he wrote.

“Our economic links are particularly robust, and we are expanding cooperation into emerging areas like the digital and green economies.”

Mr Lee said that the Digital and Green Partnership the two countries signed in 2022 will “further help our companies seize opportunities in these fast-growing sectors”.

He also mentioned Singapore and France’s defence partnership.

“In 2023, we commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s advanced jet training in Cazaux Air Base,” Mr Lee said.

“Our defence ministries also signed an agreement to establish a joint research and development laboratory that will develop our artificial intelligence capabilities for defence applications.”

Singapore and France will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.

“I invite you to visit Singapore soon and look forward to working with you to deepen relations between our two countries,” Mr Lee said as he concluded his letter.

“I wish you good health and every success in your new role.”