“Singapore and the United Kingdom share a rich and enduring relationship. We enjoy a natural affinity due to the countries' common history,” asserted President of Singapore Halimah Yacob while hosting the official dinner in honour of Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla. The royal couple is currently on a tour of Singapore.
Delving into history, Halimah said, “The shared history between the two countries dates back to 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles founded a trading port in Singapore. This set the stage for the development of modern Singapore, and planted a global outlook into Singapore’s DNA. Today, trade is three times the size of Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP).”
She said, “The UK is Singapore’s fifth largest European trading partner and sixth largest investor globally. More than 4,000 British companies have established a presence in Singapore, including major global industry leaders such as Rolls-Royce, GlaxoSmithKline and Dyson, which have all contributed strongly to Singapore’s innovation landscape.”
The President also observed that Raffles also influenced Singapore's language, form of governance and legal systems, as well as in architecture, road names and schools.
Speaking on the occasion, Prince Charles said, “Today, ours is a close partnership of equals underpinned by our shared history and, if I may say so, the trust and understanding that come with true friendship. It is a friendship that means so much to us all.”
Speaking about the current challenges facing the world, Prince Charles said, “Our two countries understand that, if we are to address the challenges facing our world – from the mounting horror of man-made climate change to the pernicious evil of terrorism, we must work together in partnership, just as we must if we are to enrich our societies and fuel our economies to deliver better futures for our children and grandchildren.”
Meanwhile, Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Duchess of Cornwall are enjoying their Singapore sojourn and people are also making a beeline to see them. The royal couple were treated to a tour of Tiong Bahru today.
There was considerable excitement among the people and the stallholders of the Tiong Bahru Market as the Prince Charles and his wife Camilla entered the market. The royal couple interacted with stallholders
The royal couple also went on a stroll around Tiong Bahru estate and met with residents. They were given a rousing welcome at Tiong Bahru Community Centre, where Camilla also tried her hand at Chinese painting. Later, she also got to try making popiah.
The royal couple also visited Botanic Gardens of Singapore. They participated in an orchid naming ceremony. It is named Dendrobium Duke (and) Duchess of Cornwall.