King of Sweden to visit S'pore in 1st state visit from Nov. 19 to 21, 2024

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden will make a state visit to Singapore from Nov. 19 to 21, 2024, said the Swedish Royal Court.

This will be the first state visit between Sweden and Singapore.

Aims to strengthen economic, political ties

The visit aims to strengthen the two countries' economic and political ties, focusing on trade, innovation, investment and the green transition, according to a Swedish Royal Court press release.

Singapore and Sweden have historically had good relations, with more than 300 Swedish companies located in Singapore.

The king is to be accompanied by Sweden's foreign affairs minister, minister for infrastructure and housing, senior officials, and a business delegation comprising 50 Swedish companies, government agencies and higher education institutions.

Schedule of visit

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed that the king will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament House and call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Nov. 19.

He will also be hosted to lunch by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The next day, the king will take part in the Singapore-Sweden Business Forum, which will involve around 300 participants from the business sector, government agencies and academia.

King Carl will also meet with Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong on Nov. 21.

They will witness the signing of agreements in areas such as cooperation in aviation, defence technology, energy, transport and healthcare innovation, MFA said.

Based on a tentative schedule by the Swedish Royal Court, the king is set to visit attractions such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, and enjoy hawker food at Satay by the Bay.

He will also take part in an orchid naming ceremony at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a tradition to honour visiting dignitaries.

However, the queen will not be visiting Singapore, according to MFA's press statement.

Longest-reigning monarch in Swedish history

King Carl XVI Gustaf is the longest-reigning monarch in Swedish history.

He has been on other official visits to Singapore in 1982 and 1991, but this is his first state visit to the country.

He and his wife have three children.

Top image from @theroyalhistorian/Instagram & Linda Broström/The Royal Court of Sweden