President Tony Tan Keng Yam has extended his congratulations to United States President Barack Obama on his second inauguration.

In a letter to the US President, Dr Tan praised him for averting a financial and economic catastrophe and improving the lives of many Americans. He expressed confidence in Mr Obama's leadership in his second term.

"The global economic outlook remains subdued and many countries will continue to look to the United States for leadership," he said.

On the local front, Dr Tan noted the excellent bilateral cooperation between the two countries, made possible by the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and the Strategic Framework Agreement. The last four years saw the two countries broadening cooperation in the areas of education and provision of technical assistance to developing countries, especially within Asean. Dr Tan said he looks forward to further enhancing the bilateral relationship.