Did you know that the Embassy of Singapore in Ankara didn’t open until 2012? Before that, relations were handled from afar. Now, we stand before a symbol of growing ties between Turkey and Singapore.
The Singapore Embassy in Ankara plays a crucial role. It serves Turkish passport holders living in Ankara. It also assists Singaporean passport holders traveling or residing in Ankara. Foreign passport holders currently residing in Ankara can also seek help here.
Think of this embassy as a bridge. It connects people and fosters collaboration between two nations. Turkey and Singapore officially established diplomatic relations on February 12, 1969. However, it took many years to deepen this bond. The Turkish Embassy in Singapore opened on November 1, 1985.
Several high-level visits have strengthened the relationship. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Singapore in January 2014. At that time, he was the Prime Minister. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore, visited Turkey in October 2014. These visits marked significant milestones. Erdoğan’s visit was the first Prime Ministerial visit from Turkey to Singapore in 18 years. Loong’s visit was the first official visit from Singapore to Turkey by a Prime Minister in 24 years. Binali Yıldırım also visited Singapore in August 2017 as Prime Minister.
During Prime Minister Lee’s visit in 2014, Turkey and Singapore signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership. This declaration paved the way for closer cooperation. A Free Trade Agreement was signed in November 2015. It came into force in October 2017. This FTA is the most comprehensive one Turkey has ever signed. It covers e-commerce, investments, and public procurements. The FTA also includes the service sector.
Turkey and Singapore have also made agreements. These agreements prevent double taxation and fiscal evasion. They also promote and protect investments. Educational exchanges further enhance ties. Under the Turkey Scholarships program, 12 Singaporean students have studied at Turkish universities. Since 2011, Turkish students have studied in Singapore under TEV Scholarships program. This is in line with an agreement that enhances cooperation. The agreement involves research, doctorate education, and exchange of instructors.
The Embassy of Singapore provides several services. These include passport issuance and renewal. They also offer document notarization. The embassy issues visas to Singapore. They provide assistance to Singaporean citizens during emergencies. You can contact the embassy at +90 312 442 4330. The Singapore Embassy in Ankara is located at Yildizevler Mahallesi. Its address is 719. Sokak No. 5, Çankaya, Ankara 06550, Turkey.
The Embassy of Singapore in Ankara stands as a symbol of friendship. It represents collaboration between Turkey and Singapore. It shows a commitment to shared growth and understanding.