Strengthening the fabric of a bilateral relationship
Singapore-German relations have continued to deepen despite global challenges, says Germany’s ambassador to Singapore Dr Norbert Riedel
IN A global landscape marred by geopolitical upheavals and economic uncertainties, the resilience and symbiotic nature of Singapore-German relations serve as an encouraging case study. Indeed, the relationship has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and has matured into a vital partnership for both nations.
According to Germany’s ambassador to Singapore Dr Norbert Riedel, the Republic serves as a key partner for Germany in South-east Asia, signified by reciprocal visits from both countries’ leaders – Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong – as well as other senior ministers. These visits have not only reaffirmed existing ties, but also paved the way for bilateral cooperation. In multiple sectors and areas, the alignment between Singaporean and German interests is increasingly clear.
“There is not one field of bilateral cooperation that has not been reinforced at the highest political levels in the past year. These encounters kickstarted the most ambitious agendas for bilateral cooperation that we have ever seen. Government agencies, as well as businesses, now have the strongest political backing in pursuing projects that enhance security, prosperity and innovation in both Germany and Singapore,” said Dr Riedel.
A milestone in relations
Perhaps one of the most significant milestones in recent memory was the leaders’ Joint Declaration signed last December. The Declaration aims to deepen cooperation across various sectors such as trade, defence and climate action. It also focuses on implementing existing trade agreements, such as the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and the recently signed Germany-Singapore Framework for Sustainability and Innovation (FSI).
“One crucial matter, and of particular urgency to me, is climate protection. Germany is undertaking enormous efforts, such as expanding renewable energy sources, to achieve its carbon neutrality goal by 2045. At the same time, we are determined to do even more to close existing climate protection gaps. In the Joint Declaration, Singapore and Germany recognise the urgency to jointly push for the achievement of the Paris Agreement. The FSI will serve as a catalyst for accomplishing this common mission,” said the ambassador.
The Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, held in Singapore in November 2022, was another defining moment for bilateral ties. It marked the first time a German Chancellor attended the event, where he highlighted the German government’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, including China, while reminding businesses of the potential that Asean markets offer.
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Economic synergies amid a pandemic
Despite the adverse economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore continued to attract German businesses in recent years, underpinned by its strategic location, digital sophistication and stable political environment. German companies including Evonik and DB Schenker have accelerated their investments here, recognising Singapore as an optimal base for operations across South-east Asia.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has not dampened Singapore’s attractiveness for German companies seeking to expand their foothold in Asia-Pacific. In return, Singapore has also benefited from the presence of these 2,200 companies bringing investments, technical expertise, and research and development facilities to Singapore. German companies account for approximately 45,000 jobs in Singapore,” said Dr Riedel.
Amid uncertainty in global markets, German companies in Singapore are also setting an example of how to diversify their operations. In June, for instance, Siemens chief executive Roland Busch announced plans to not only invest further in its existing production facilities in Germany and China, but also to set up a new plant based on the latest production technology here in Singapore.
Said the ambassador: “Such an approach gives Siemens the flexibility to serve different markets depending on global demand, and simultaneously reduce dependencies on single supply chains. Other companies pursue similar strategies.”
Growing cooperation in defence and security
As defence cooperation captures public attention, the recent commitment by the Singapore Armed Forces to procure military trucks from Daimler Commercial Vehicles exemplifies the deepening ties in this critical area, said Dr Riedel. Meanwhile, Germany’s participation in regional security dialogues, such as the Shangri-La Dialogue, and its interest in attaining observer status at the Experts’ Working Groups within the framework of the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting Plus, underlines its proactive approach to ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“A central message of Germany’s Policy Guidelines for the Indo-Pacific is our firm commitment to stability, security and peace in the Indo-Pacific region, especially through bilateral cooperation with Asean member countries and with Asean itself. Like Asean, we strive for a free and open Indo-Pacific region and share a multilateral and inclusive approach based on mutual respect and international law,” said Dr Riedel.
The road ahead
The German ambassador envisioned a future where Singapore and Germany continue to be strong allies advocating for a multilateral, rules-based international order. By learning from each other’s strengths in governance, cybersecurity and the green economy, both nations are likely to pioneer new frontiers of cooperation. Dr Riedel added that strengthening bilateral collaboration between Singapore and Germany will also bring the EU and Asean closer together.
“As Chancellor Scholz underlined during last year’s Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in Singapore, the Asia-Pacific region encompasses far more than just China. His call for diversifying Germany’s economic ties with Asia-Pacific automatically brings South-east Asia into the focus,” he said. “Put simply, diversification does not imply ‘decoupling’ from China, but to remain resilient in this multipolar and crisis-prone world.”
The multifaceted relationship between Singapore and Germany is not merely transactional, but rather based on mutual respect, shared values and a strong commitment to multilateralism. As the contours of the global landscape shift, this enduring partnership offers a blueprint for how two seemingly disparate nations can forge a path of sustained collaboration and shared prosperity.
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