The visit. On Monday, the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, welcomed the President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, in Rome. Mr Shanmugaratnam’s visit to Italy marks his first official visit to a European country since assuming his role as President of Singapore.
- During the meetings described as “positive” by Mr. Shanmugaratnam, the leaders discussed the significant economic and scientific connections between Italy and Singapore and explored opportunities for increased investment.
- They also shared their perspectives on major global issues, including the crisis in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar. They emphasised the need for collaborative efforts in this new phase of globalisation involving the US and China and acknowledged the stabilising role of actors such as the EU and ASEAN.
Technology and economic cooperation. PM Meloni and President Shanmugaratnam discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy. The two countries have already deepened ties in science and technology, with many examples of economic cooperation in high-tech sectors.
- In 2023, the Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation saw projects in food technology and artificial intelligence co-led by principal investigators from Italy and Singapore.
- STMicroelectronics, a Franco-Italian company, has also been a key player in Singapore’s electronics sector since the 1970s.
- In March, Singapore-based Silicon Box announced a €3.2 billion investment in a new chip plant in Italy.
Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security. On Monday, the 31st Italian Naval Group, including the aircraft carrier Cavour, arrived in Singapore for a logistic stop during its operational campaign in the Indo-Pacific.
- “The deployment enhances international cooperation and promotes maritime security in the region,” stated the Italian Navy.
- In the coming weeks, the Italian Navy training ship Nave Vespucci will also stop in Singapore.
