Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz Arrives in Singapore for Two-Day Official Visit
Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz arrives in Singapore on October 27, 2026, marking his first visit to the city-state, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reported. The two-day diplomatic trip runs through October 28, 2026, and underscores the longstanding bilateral ties between Berlin and Singapore.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will host a welcome ceremony for the German leader, followed by bilateral discussions, AsiaOne reported. Prime Minister Wong will also host an official dinner in honor of the visiting chancellor. Merz’s itinerary includes a call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and a lunch hosted by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Key Bilateral Milestones and Economic Growth
Diplomatic relations between the two nations date back to 1965, when Germany was among the first countries to recognize Singapore’s independence. Helmut Schmidt made the first visit by a German chancellor to the republic in 1978. Every successive chancellor has since visited Singapore, deepening a partnership that was officially elevated to a strategic partnership in November 2024.
Happy to welcome German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz on his first visit to Singapore. Singapore and Germany have been close partners for a long time. We have built strong economic and defence ties, grounded in a shared commitment to an open, rules-based international order. pic.twitter.com/hS7RWxMLa0
Economic ties continue to expand across multiple sectors. Bilateral trade in goods reached $23.4 billion in 2025, while services trade climbed to approximately $14.1 billion in 2024. Defense cooperation also remains robust, with Singapore’s navy operating Invincible-class submarines and Sentinel-class Offshore Patrol Vessels built in German shipyards.
The 49th Singapore Lecture at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Chancellor Merz will deliver the 49th Singapore Lecture during his visit, organized by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. Titled “Germany and the Indo-Pacific: Partnership, Competitiveness, and Resilience in a Changing World,” the address will be chaired by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo.
People-to-people exchanges complement these official and economic ties. Nearly 360,000 visitors from Germany traveled to Singapore last year, reflecting active tourism and professional mobility between the two regions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Visit
What is the duration of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Singapore?
The official visit spans two days, from October 27 to October 28, 2026. It marks Chancellor Merz’s first visit to Singapore.
Who will host the German Chancellor during his itinerary?
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will host a welcome ceremony, hold bilateral talks, and host an official dinner. Chancellor Merz will also call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attend a lunch hosted by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Where is the Singapore Lecture taking place and who is chairing it?
The 49th Singapore Lecture is organized by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo will chair the session where Chancellor Merz delivers his address.
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