Prime Minister Wong Embarks on Five-Day African Diplomacy Trip

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will undertake a significant five-day diplomatic trip to Africa, commencing on November 21, 2023. His itinerary includes participation in the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, followed by an official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed these details, emphasizing the importance of expanding Singapore’s diplomatic reach in regions like Africa.

During the G20 Summit, which runs from November 21 to November 23, Mr. Wong will engage in discussions focused on promoting economic growth and addressing the challenges posed by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. South Africa, hosting its first G20 Summit this year, has chosen the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” to tackle critical global issues such as climate change and inequality.

Strengthening Ties and Fostering Development

As the summit unfolds, Mr. Wong will hold bilateral meetings with fellow leaders. He has been invited by Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, to participate in this high-level dialogue. Notably, Singapore has been invited to the G20 Summit almost every year since 2010, despite not being a member of the bloc.

Following the summit, the Prime Minister will visit Ethiopia from November 23 to November 25 at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. This visit aims to reaffirm the warm ties between Singapore and Ethiopia, reciprocating Dr. Abiy’s official visit to Singapore in June 2022. In Ethiopia, Mr. Wong will partake in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Adwa Victory Memorial Monument and will receive a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace.

The agenda includes a joint press conference with Dr. Abiy, where they will discuss mutual interests and witness the exchange of bilateral memorandums of understanding (MOUs). Additionally, they will participate in a tree planting ceremony, highlighting the significance of sustainable development.

Business Engagements and Health Initiatives

Mr. Wong’s itinerary also features a meeting with Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, to discuss collaborative efforts in public health initiatives across the continent. Furthermore, he plans to visit the Repi Wilmar factory, a Singapore-owned company in Ethiopia that produces popular household brands.

Accompanying Mr. Wong on this diplomatic mission will be his wife, Loo Tze Lui, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, alongside officials from various government agencies. Other members of the delegation include Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and for Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang and Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and for Health Rahayu Mahzam.

In Mr. Wong’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong will serve as Acting Prime Minister from November 21 to November 24. Following this, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam will take on the role of Acting Prime Minister on November 25.

This Africa trip marks Mr. Wong’s first official visit to the continent since taking office, reflecting Singapore’s commitment to enhancing its international relations and fostering sustainable partnerships in emerging markets.