À l’occasion du 60e anniversaire des relations diplomatiques entre la France et Singapour, l’Ambassade de Singapour en France a organisé une réception exceptionnelle à Paris, réunissant de nombreuses personnalités du monde diplomatique, économique, académique et culturel.
Aux côtés du ministre singapourien des Affaires étrangères, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, et du ministre français chargé des Transports, Philippe Tabarot, j’ai eu l’honneur de participer à cet événement en tant qu’invitée d’honneur.
Cette célébration a été l’occasion de rappeler la profondeur des liens unissant nos deux pays : une alliance fondée sur une coopération stratégique, un attachement commun aux valeurs du multilatéralisme, du droit international, du commerce libre et de la transition vers un avenir durable.
La récente visite du président Emmanuel Macron à Singapour a d’ailleurs marqué une étape importante, avec la consolidation de notre partenariat stratégique global et l’accélération de nos coopérations dans des domaines d’avenir : intelligence artificielle, cybersécurité, transition énergétique, développement durable.
Ensemble, la France et Singapour regardent vers l’avenir.
Nos ambitions communes témoignent d’une volonté partagée de bâtir un partenariat résilient, audacieux et porteur de sens.
Retrouvez l'intégralité de mon discours :
Minister,
Madam Ambassador,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,
It is a true honour to be with you this evening to mark sixty years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and France. This celebration holds particular meaning for me. Before entering public life, I had the great fortune of living in Singapore. It is, quite simply, a part of who I am. I worked here, I raised my children here, and perhaps most profoundly I learned to see the world through a different lens. Singapore left an indelible mark on me.
And today, as a Member of the French Parliament representing our citizens abroad, I take immense pride in the fact that Singapore stands at the heart of my constituency. Our relationship rests upon a shared vision: that of an open world—anchored in the rule of law, in respect for national sovereignty, and in a deep commitment to cooperation between peoples.
President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Singapore last May marked a historic milestone. For the first time, Singapore elevated a bilateral relationship with a European nation to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. That gesture speaks volumes. And for me, it makes this evening all the more meaningful.
Sixty years is no small feat. Ours is a mature, stable relationship—but it is never static. France and Singapore are very different in history, in geography, and in culture. And precisely because of that, our dialogue is rich, alive, and essential. What we share are values, strong enduring convictions: a culture of public service, a global outlook, a belief in the power of science, education and innovation as drivers of progress. President Macron’s visit not only reaffirmed the depth of our partnership—it accelerated our cooperation in vital areas: defence, climate and energy transitions, digital technologies, health, cybersecurity, and research. It sent a clear signal: France is deeply invested in its relationship with Singapore.
We see Singapore as a key partner in a strategic Indo-Pacific region—an ally, a trusted friend, and a force for regional stability and prosperity. I have been living in Singapore since 2005. And beyond the renowned efficiency and modernity, what I discovered was a deeply human society—forward-looking, yet faithful to its multicultural roots.
I witnessed the extraordinary transformation of a city-state into a dynamic regional hub—a society constantly striving for balance: between technology and meaning, between performance and purpose, between ambition and social harmony. Singapore has offered me a stimulating, safe, and open environment. As a French citizen, I found values we hold in common: a strong belief in education, in independent thinking, and in the pursuit of pragmatic, balanced solutions.
Singapore is also a remarkable source of inspiration. A young nation that, in just a few decades, has built a resilient, high-performing ecosystem—confident, dynamic, and imaginative. What has always struck me is the Singaporean spirit: enlightened pragmatism, an unwavering drive to improve, and an extraordinary ability to draw strength from diversity. And yes—this spirit resonates in France as well. We too are facing the great transitions of our time: work transformation, ecological and digital change, and the evolving role of innovation. In these domains, Singapore dares. It experiments, it anticipates. That boldness—we share it.
Dear friends, what moves me most tonight are not just the milestones, but the people—the faces in this room. To the Singaporeans who love France, who choose to study there, to do business, to work or to dream—thank you. You embrace our language, our culture, our talents with both curiosity and loyalty. These are not just exchanges; they are the human bridges that make diplomacy real.
And to our French community in Singapore, entrepreneurs, artists, researchers, teachers, families, I can tell you : they are exceptional for their commitment and their talent. They are the living expression of this friendship. To all of you who bring this relationship to life every day: thank you. Sixty years is not a conclusion. It is a momentum. It is a responsibility—and a promise.
In the face of global challenges, France and Singapore must remain united, creative, and confident. So tonight, let us honour all those who have built this friendship since 1965.
And let us be bold enough to imagine and build the next chapter, together.
Long live the friendship between France and Singapore.
Long live the Singaporean community in France.
Long live the French community in Singapore.
And long live the future we will shape together.
