President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be making a state visit to Sweden from Oct. 17 to 21 at the invitation of the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf.

It will mark the first state visit to Sweden by a Singaporean president, and reciprocates the Swedish king's visit to Singapore in November 2024.

It also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Ceremonial welcome

President Tharman will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Royal Palace in Stockholm by King Carl XVI Gusaf and Queen Silvia, who will also host him to a state banquet.

He will meet with several of Sweden's political leaders: Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Speaker of the Riksdag (the Swedish parliament) Andreas Norlén, and other Members of the Riksdag.

Business engagements

Much of the itinerary for the visit will focus on economic and business exchanges.

While in Stockholm, President Tharman will deliver a lecture at the Stockholm School of Economics, and will be hosted to lunch by members of the Stockholm City Council.

He and King Carl XVI Gustaf will engage with Swedish entrepreneurs and business leaders from various sectors.

They will also speak to those from Fryshuset, a Swedish non-profit organisation working on youth empowerment.

In Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, President Tharman and King Carl XVI Gustaf will visit the World of Volvo to talk to businesses about the future of transport.

They will also visit the Chalmers University of Technology.

Entourage

On his trip, President Tharman will be accompanied by his wife Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, as well as political office-holders and government officials.

They include Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, and Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Manpower Foo Cexiang.

Government agencies Enterprise Singapore, the National Research Foundation, and the Economic Development Board will also join them, along with a business delegation.

60 years of diplomatic relations

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1966, Singapore and Sweden have built strong economic, defence, education, and research ties.

In defence, Singapore buys Swedish defence equipment, and Sweden is an active participant in Singapore's military project tenders.

The defence ministries of both countries have been exploring ways to enhance collaboration.

In May 2026, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam visited Sweden to engage Swedish officials on security and defence.

Sweden also has a solid economic presence in Singapore, with almost 600 Swedish companies currently in the country.

Additionally, the two countries have been working together on research and innovation, including on quantum technologies.