The heads of state discussed opportunities for cybersecurity cooperation and closer economic ties. “With its flourishing ecosystem of start-ups, Estonia can serve as the gateway to the Northern European market for Singaporean companies,” President Karis said. “Likewise, Singapore is a gateway for our entrepreneurs entering South-East Asia. We need look no further than the Estonian embassy and business hub that was opened in Singapore last year as proof of our companies’ desire to cooperate.”
President Karis added that it is in the interests of both Estonia and Singapore to bolster the rules-based world order, which is of enormous significance to small nations. “To that end there is an ever increasing need to act together in the UN, particularly to prompt reforms to the Security Council,” he said.
The head of state acknowledged Singapore’s support for Ukraine and said he shared the country’s concern regarding rising tensions in Asia and the stability of the Indo-Pacific region in general. He also touched on the conflict in Gaza and developments in the Middle East.
Further topics of discussion between the Estonian and Singaporean presidents were energy security and the diversification of renewable energy sources.
President Shanmugaratnam is on an official visit to Estonia, accompanied by his wife Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, who visited Kumu Art Museum with Sirje Karis during her time in Tallinn.
