Congratulatory Messages from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to US President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden

PM Lee's letter to President Barack Obama

7 November 2012

Dear President Obama,

My warmest congratulations on your re-election as President of the United States of America!

Your victory affirms the American people’s trust in your leadership. America faces many challenges, but it is a dynamic and resilient country. I am confident that it will recover strongly before too long, benefitting the American people and the entire world. Singa­pore wishes you all the very best as you lead your country forward.

I wish also to thank you for the United States’ strong commitment to the US-Singapore relationship and the entire Asia-Pacific region during your first term. Singapore and the United States enjoy excellent relations, underpinned by the Strategic Framework Agreement and the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. Over the last four years, we have enhanced these ties through the Strategic Partnership Dialogue. We also welcome your Administration’s broad-based rebalancing towards Asia, including Southeast Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and hope that it continues during your second term. The US’ presence is a pillar of regional stability and economic prosperity.

I look forward to working with you and your Administration to enhance our bilateral relations and strengthen America’s engagement with Asia, including through our Third Country Training Programme. You can continue to rely on Singapore as a friend and partner. I look forward to meeting you again at the 7th East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh later this month.

Yours sincerely

LEE HSIEN LOONG

PM Lee's letter to Vice-President Joe Biden

7 November 2012

Dear Vice-President Biden,

Congratulations on your re-election as the Vice-President of the United States of America!

This was a hard-earned victory. You fought a spirited campaign, and convinced voters to give you another four years to fully implement your policy agenda. Under your continued leadership, I am confident that the United States will be able to address its various challenges and work across party lines to improve the lives of the American people.

Singapore and the United States enjoy an excellent relationship underpinned by the Strategic Framework Agreement and the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. Over the last four years, we have continued to strengthen this enduring friendship and to cooperate on regional issues. I look forward to continue working with you and President Obama to further strengthen our bilateral relationship.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG