President's Letters to Australia's 26th and 27th Governors-General

President Halimah Yacob has written a letter to Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), to congratulate him on the occasion of his swearing-in as Australia’s 27th Governor-General on 1 July 2019. President has also written a letter to the 26th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Ret’d), to thank him for his contributions to the Singapore-Australia bilateral relationship. The text of the letters are appended.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

28 JUNE 2019

His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d)

Governor-General

Commonwealth of Australia

Your Excellency,

               On behalf of the people of the Republic of Singapore, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on your appointment as the 27th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

               Your Excellency has been a good friend of Singapore over your long and illustrious career. During your tenure as Chief of the Defence Force from 2011 to 2014, you oversaw the expansion of bilateral military ties, played an important role in facilitating the Singapore Armed Forces’ deployment in Afghanistan, and promoted interactions under the Five Power Defence Arrangement. I look forward to you continuing to support Singapore-Australia relations in your new role as Governor-General.

               Since the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed in 2015, bilateral cooperation between Singapore and Australia has expanded across many sectors, including defence, trade, science and innovation, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Our two countries are also pursuing new areas of collaboration, including in the digital economy. At multilateral fora, Australia is a close partner of Singapore in upholding a rules-based global order. Australia is ASEAN’s first and amongst our most significant Dialogue Partners. 

               I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to Singapore on a State Visit. Please accept my best wishes for your new appointment, and I look forward to meeting you soon.

Yours sincerely,

HALIMAH YACOB

His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Ret’d)

Former Governor-General

Commonwealth of Australia

Your Excellency,

               On behalf of the people of the Republic of Singapore, I would like to congratulate you on the completion of your successful term as the 26th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. You have served the Australian people with dedication, dignity, and distinction.

               I would like to extend my appreciation of your personal contribution to the strengthening of Singapore-Australia ties. During your tenure as Governor-General, our two countries marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. A key highlight of this milestone was your State Visit to Singapore in September 2015. Bilateral partnership between Singapore and Australia has broadened and deepened, with the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that same year. I am confident that the friendship between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength.

               I was happy to meet you and Lady Cosgrove in Singapore in February 2018. Please accept my best wishes for your good health and success in your future endeavours.

Yours sincerely,

HALIMAH YACOB