President Tharman, PM Wong congratulate Trump on his inauguration
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Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC on Jan 20.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SINGAPORE - President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have congratulated United States President Donald Trump on his inauguration,
In a letter dated Jan 20, 2025, President Tharman highlighted the abiding and substantive friendship between both countries, which he noted had deepened over the years.
“Our ties are characterised by mutual respect and cooperation, and we have worked well together to advance the common interests of both our peoples,” he wrote in the letter released to the media by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
He said during Mr Trump’s previous term as president, from 2017 to 2021, there were significant achievements in the bilateral relationship.
Singapore stands ready to build upon this foundation, he added, suggesting that both countries can further enhance economic and defence ties, as well as explore new areas of collaboration.
“I am confident that under your leadership, we will have more milestones to celebrate,” he said.
President Tharman said the US continues to be a source of dynamism, resilience and innovation, and with much promise ahead.
Mr Trump’s leadership would be crucial in addressing both the challenges and opportunities facing the US and the world today, he added.
“Please accept my best wishes as you take on the Presidency. I also look forward to welcoming you back to Singapore soon,” he said.
PM Wong, in a separate letter and Facebook post on Jan 20, sent his congratulations to President Trump and US Vice-President J.D. Vance.
He noted in the Facebook post that the US was one of the first nations to recognise Singapore’s independence in 1965, and the partnership between both countries has flourished over the decades.
In his letter to Mr Trump, released by the MFA, PM Wong said: “I was delighted to hear about your fond memories of Singapore from your last visit in 2018 and welcome you to visit us again soon.”
PM Wong noted his call to the US President, reiterating that Singapore and the US have an excellent partnership that has deepened over the years.
In the area of defence, cooperation has remained robust and the militaries of both countries also enjoy close ties, underpinned by the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, said PM Wong.
In security and counterterrorism, Singapore and the US have worked together closely, with Singapore the only Asian country to have contributed military assets and personnel to the Defeat-ISIS coalition, added PM Wong.
On the economic front, the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement also continues to bring significant benefits to both countries, he added.
Bilateral trade has nearly tripled since the agreement entered into force in 2004, with the US consistently maintaining a large trade surplus with Singapore, said PM Wong.
Meanwhile, Singapore is also the third-largest Asian investor in the US, he said.
Together, these investments and bilateral trade support more than 270,000 well-paying jobs across the US, he noted, adding that Singapore also provides a useful gateway for American businesses looking to expand their operations in Asia.
PM Wong said the US has played an indispensable role in safeguarding the global commons, upholding stability and fostering international security.
“I am confident that under your leadership, the US will continue to exercise its global role,” said PM Wong.
“The US can continue to depend on Singapore as a trusted friend and partner, as we work together to advance our many shared interests.”
