In his first overseas visit since assuming office on 14 September 2023, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is travelling to Switzerland on January 16. His working visit will conclude on January 21, 2024. During his time in Switzerland, President Tharman will participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting and meet government leaders from various countries. He will also co-chair the Global Commission of the Economics of Water (GCEW), an official news release stated.
As per the official document, President Tharman will visit Davos from 16 to 19 January 2024 for the WEF Annual Meeting. The President will participate in sessions on global economic and ecological challenges and strategies, and attend a meeting of the WEF Board of Trustees.
He’ll then travel to Zurich, from 19 to 21 January 2024, to co-chair the GCEW. There, the President is scheduled to meet several members of the Singapore community in Switzerland.
President Tharman’s entourage comprises officials from his office, the Economic Development Board, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.
Brunei state visit
After Switzerland, President Tharman will make a state visit to Negara Brunei Darussalam from 24 to 26 January 2024.
The visit follows an invitation from Brunai Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah.
President Tharman’s first overseas state visit also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Singapore’s diplomatic relations with Brunei. He will be hosted to a state banquet by the Sultan and his queen Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha.
During these engagements, President Tharman will meet senior members of the Bruneian Royal Family and Cabinet, including Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
President Tharman will also visit Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel training in Brunei and meet the diaspora in Brunei at a reception.
His entourage for the state visit will comprise Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Education Dr Maliki Osman, Minister of State for Education and Manpower Gan Siow Huang, Members of Parliament Mariam Jaafar and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, as well as officials from the President’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Development, and Ministry of Education.
During President Tharman’s absence, Eddie Teo, Chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers will exercise the functions of the office of President.