18-11-2024 (RIO DE JANEIRO) Singapore’s Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong held talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the G20 summit in Brazil, expressing strong support for South Africa’s upcoming presidency of the global forum.
The meeting, which took place on Sunday and coincided with President Ramaphosa’s 72nd birthday, marked the first encounter between the two leaders since Wong assumed office. The timing added a personal touch to the diplomatic engagement, with Prime Minister Wong later describing the discussion as “very enjoyable” in his social media communications.
During the talks, Wong highlighted the robust bilateral relationship between Singapore and South Africa, particularly emphasising their strong trade and investment connections. He noted the expanding collaboration in information and communications technology (ICT) and skills development programmes between the two nations.
The meeting carried particular significance as South Africa prepares to make history as the first African nation to chair the G20 in 2024. Prime Minister Wong expressed confidence in South Africa’s upcoming leadership role, specifically noting its potential to advance sustainable development initiatives on the global stage.
