Singapore Leaders Congratulate Trump on Becoming 47th US President
Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have extended their congratulations to Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States for his second term in office.
Singapore’s Heartfelt Congratulations
President Tharman expressed on Monday (Jan 20) his heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Trump on behalf of the people of Singapore. He emphasized the importance of the US as a source of dynamism, resilience, and innovation, highlighting the crucial role of Mr. Trump’s leadership in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing both the US and the world today. Mr. Tharman noted the deepened friendship between the two countries characterized by mutual respect and cooperation, with significant achievements in the bilateral relationship during Mr. Trump’s previous term.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Wong echoed Mr. Tharman’s sentiments in his letter to Mr. Trump, emphasizing the indispensable role played by the US in safeguarding the global commons, upholding stability, and fostering international security. He expressed confidence in the continued exercise of the US’s global role under Mr. Trump’s leadership, highlighting Singapore’s commitment as a trusted friend and partner in advancing shared interests. Mr. Wong emphasized the robust defense cooperation under the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, with close ties between the two militaries and collaboration in security and counterterrorism efforts.
Economic Partnership and Collaboration
Mr. Wong highlighted the benefits of the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which has significantly boosted bilateral trade, with the US maintaining a large trade surplus with Singapore. He emphasized Singapore’s role as the third-largest Asian investor in the US, supporting over 270,000 well-paying jobs and serving as a gateway for American businesses expanding into Asia. Both leaders expressed their eagerness for Mr. Trump to visit Singapore again soon, following his successful visit in 2018.
Singapore’s leaders’ messages to Mr. Trump underscore the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared interests. Their congratulatory messages reflect the commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties, enhance economic cooperation, and collaborate on key security issues, reinforcing the importance of the US-Singapore relationship in the region and beyond.