PM Lee praises ex-German leader Merkel and congratulates new Chancellor Scholz

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Dr Angela Merkel last met at the G-20 Summit in Rome in October. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written a valedictory letter to former German chancellor Angela Merkel, and a congratulatory letter to new Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

In his letter to Dr Merkel dated Wednesday (Dec 8), PM Lee said her achievements over the past 16 years "have laid a strong foundation that will stand Germany in good stead for many years to come".

"Through four consecutive terms in the Federal Chancellery, you steered Germany, and Europe, through many highs and lows. You have earned the respect of your peers in Europe, Asia and the rest of the world," he said.

The two letters were released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Scholz, 63, was sworn in as Germany's ninth post-war chancellor on Wednesday to succeed Dr Merkel, 67.

Dr Merkel and PM Lee last met at the end of October at the Group of 20 meeting in Rome.

"As you reminded me in Rome, the first time we met was in December 2005 in Berlin. I had taken over as Prime Minister the year before, and it was my good fortune to be your first official guest shortly after you were sworn in as Chancellor," PM Lee said.

They have met regularly since including during Dr Merkel's official visit to Singapore in 2011, when an orchid was named after her, PM Lee said. And the Singapore leader had subsequently made two visits to Berlin.

"Our exchanges were always constructive and substantial, and I have greatly valued your candour and methodical approach to the complex issues confronting our countries and the world," PM Lee said. "It has been my privilege to work with you to strengthen the excellent relations between our two countries."

He said the bilateral Joint Declaration on Enhanced Partnership, first signed by their predecessors in 1998, was upgraded in 2005.

"Our bilateral collaboration has grown, particularly in the areas of defence, education, scientific research, and Industry 4.0," PM Lee wrote. "I am especially grateful for your strong support for the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which has brought tangible benefits to companies in Singapore and the EU, including Germany."

He added that Germany is one of Singapore's key economic partners and many more German companies are investing in Singapore, including BioNTech, which is building a vaccine plant.

"Germany's international stature today as a reliable and responsible power would not have been possible without your wise leadership and commitment to fostering strong international partnerships through a rules-based multilateral system," PM Lee said.

"You have inspired many young men and women through your exemplary leadership and service to both your nation and the international community.

"Ho Ching and I wish you and Joachim the very best of health and much fulfilment in your retirement. As I said to you in Rome, both of you will always be welcomed as our guests in Singapore," the letter said.

In his letter to Chancellor Scholz, PM Lee said they had recently met at the G-20 Summit in Rome.

"Please accept my warmest congratulations on your electoral victory, and appointment as Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

"Germany is an important and trusted partner for Singapore. Over the years, our bilateral ties have strengthened through numerous exchanges at all levels," PM Lee said.

PM Lee Hsien Loong, flanked by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong (right), met Dr Angela Merkel and Mr Olaf Scholz (left) at the G-20 Summit in Rome on Oct 30, 2021. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

The Prime Minister recalled Mr Scholz's last visit to Singapore for the World Cities Summit in July 2016, when he was First Mayor of Hamburg.

"A year later, in July 2017, I had the pleasure of visiting Hamburg for the G-20 Summit. I am glad that our bilateral ties have continued to deepen, underpinned by robust cooperation spanning the diplomatic, defence, economic, education, environment, research and cultural sectors," PM Lee said in the letter.

Reflecting on the strong bilateral ties, he said Germany was one of the first countries with which Singapore launched a vaccinated travel lane. "This was a key step towards re-establishing air connectivity for vaccinated individuals amidst the pandemic," he said.

PM Lee said there is much scope regionally for Singapore and Germany to serve as each other's hubs in their respective regions, especially given the two nations' shared support for multilateralism, free trade and a rules-based global order.

The two countries can also work together to strengthen ties between Europe and South-east Asia, including under the auspices of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and the Asean-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.

"Given the many global challenges that we face, including the pandemic, climate change, and the impact these have had on our supply chains and livelihoods, it is timely that our two countries are looking to broaden cooperation in new areas such as the digital economy, cyber security and sustainability.

"I look forward to working closely with you on these and other issues, both bilaterally and at the various multilateral fora which our countries take part in," PM Lee said.

He ended the letter by saying: "I wish you and your government every success in the years ahead, and all the very best as Germany takes on the G-7 presidency next year."

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