President Tony Tan Keng Yam has written to the new President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), Mr Bounnhang Vorachit, congratulating him on his appointment.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also wrote a letter to his Lao counterpart, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, on his appointment, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press statement.

In his letter to Mr Vorachit, Dr Tan noted that "Singapore and the Lao PDR enjoy healthy relations in the areas of technical cooperation, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. We also cooperate closely in Asean and at other international and regional fora".

"I am confident that the Lao PDR will continue to progress under your leadership. I look forward to working with you to further enhance relations between Singapore and the Lao PDR," he wrote.

Wishing Mr Vorachit success in his new role, Dr Tan also extended an invitation for his Lao counterpart and his wife, Mrs Khammeuang Vorachit, to visit Singapore at the earliest opportunity.

In his letter to Dr Sisoulith, Prime Minister Lee highlighted that "Singapore and the Lao PDR share warm ties underpinned by regular high-level exchanges and wide-ranging cooperation."

Underlining the Lao PDR's role as Asean chair this year, Mr Lee told Dr Sisoulith: "I am confident that under your leadership, the Lao PDR will... further strengthen Asean unity and centrality."

"I look forward to working with you to further enhance our bilateral ties and take this opportunity to extend an invitation for you to visit Singapore. I wish you every success in your new role," wrote Mr Lee.