South Korean President Yoon to make state visit to S'pore

It is part of the leader's South-east Asia tour aimed at elevating ties in the region

- Chang May Choon

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will make a three-day state visit to Singapore from Oct 7 at the invitation of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

It will be his first visit to the Republic since he took office in 2022. The trip affirms the excellent relations between the two countries, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement issued on Oct 6. It also allows both sides to discuss ways to deepen ties in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Mr Yoon, 63, is slated to receive a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House on Oct 8. He will make a courtesy call on Mr Tharman, who will host a state banquet in his honour in the evening, said MFA.

Mr Yoon, who will be accompanied by First Lady Kim Keon-hee, senior government officials and business leaders, will also meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and be hosted to lunch. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong will also meet Mr Yoon, in what would be their third meeting so far. PM Wong and Mr Yoon will witness the signing of an extradition treaty and the exchange of several memorandums of understanding to enhance cooperation in areas including trade, start-ups, energy, food safety and technology.