Singapore and Luxembourg are looking to use their close partnership to strengthen ties between ASEAN and the European Union as Singapore prepares to take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden agreed on the importance of closer ASEAN-EU relations during Frieden’s official visit to Singapore. Wong said Luxembourg’s long-standing support for European integration and Singapore’s backing of a stronger ASEAN could help bring the two regions closer.
Economic ties already form an important part of the relationship. Luxembourg is the European Union’s largest investor in Singapore, while Singapore is Luxembourg’s second-largest investment destination within the bloc. Both countries are also seeking deeper cooperation in quantum technology, artificial intelligence, space and satellite communications.
The two countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam made a state visit to Luxembourg last year, while Luxembourg opened its first resident embassy in Singapore two months ago.
Wong said Singapore and Luxembourg shared similar circumstances as small states with limited domestic markets and no natural resources. Both have instead built their economies by remaining outward-looking and connecting businesses and people across borders.
Frieden’s three-day visit, from September 6 to 8, is his first official trip to Singapore as prime minister. He was scheduled to meet Wong and President Tharman before delivering the 48th Singapore Lecture at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
The visit comes as both countries look to deepen bilateral cooperation while using their partnership to strengthen links between their wider regions.
