SINGAPORE - President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written congratulatory letters to their Lao counterparts on their appointments, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Sunday (April 24).

"On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to convey my heartiest congratulations on your successful appointment as the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR)," Mr Tan said in a letter to Mr Bounnhang Vorachit.

"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," Mr Tan said in the letter dated April 21.

In a letter to Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, Mr Lee highlighted the warm bilateral ties underpinned by regular high-level exchanges and wide-ranging cooperation.

"We also cooperate closely to promote regional peace and prosperity through multinational fora, particularly in Asean. I am confident that under your leadership, the Lao PDR will continue to play a constructive role as Asean Chair in 2016 and further strengthen Asean unity and centrality," Mr Lee said in the letter dated April 23.

Laos's National Assembly on Wednesday (April 20) appointed the country's new president and prime minister.