President José Ramos-Horta delivered the 45th Singapore Lecture on 8th December 2022 entitled, “Timor-Leste: From Conflict to Reconciliation, Democracy, and Regional Integration.” President Ramos-Horta, the first-ever Timorese leader to deliver the Lecture, laid out Timor-Leste’s achievements over the past 20 years and its challenges for the future. He also expressed gratitude for Singapore’s support throughout his country’s journey and hoped for its quick entry into ASEAN membership.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivered the 44th Singapore Lecture “Pursuing Open and Integrated Development for Shared Prosperity 在开放融通中共创共享繁荣” at the St Regis Hotel on 13 November 2018. In Singapore to attend the 33rd ASEAN Summit, Premier Li’s visit to Singapore began on a positive note with the signing of an upgraded free trade agreement (FTA) between both countries, which promised greater protection and access into the Chinese market for Singaporean businesses.