MFA Press Release: Congratulatory Letters from President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to President-elect of the Republic of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte, 30 May

            President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to President-elect of the Republic of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte, to congratulate him on winning the Philippines Presidential Election, following the official announcement by the Congress of the Philippines.  The texts of the two letters are as follows:

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
30 MAY 2016

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30 May 2016

His Excellency Rodrigo Duterte
President-elect
Republic of the Philippines

Your Excellency,

                   On behalf of the people of the Republic of Singapore, I warmly congratulate you on your election victory.  

                   Singapore and the Philippines are old friends with strong ties.  Our countries cooperate closely in ASEAN and internationally, including at the United Nations, to promote peace, stability and prosperity.  During my State Visit in April 2014, my wife and I were impressed by the economic progress of the Philippines and the resilience of the residents of Tacloban as they worked to rehabilitate their hometowns from the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda.  I am confident that you will lead the Philippines economy to greater heights.

                   I wish you success as you embark on your new role, and look forward to meeting you soon.  I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit Singapore at the earliest opportunity.

Yours sincerely,

TONY TAN KENG YAM

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30 May 2016

Your Excellency,

 
                   I would like to convey my warm congratulations on your electoral success.  The strong mandate reflects the trust that your fellow Filipinos have in your leadership and vision for the Philippines.      

                   Singapore and the Philippines share close ties spanning many sectors, including trade and investment, culture and people-to-people exchanges.  Our bilateral relationship will reach a milestone in 2019, when we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.  As fellow founding members of ASEAN, we cooperate closely to promote regional peace and prosperity.  Singapore looks forward to the Philippines’ Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017, which is also the 50^th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN.  I am confident that we will be able to foster closer ASEAN integration amid a complex and fast-changing global landscape.

                    I wish you good health and success in your new position, and look forward to working with you for the benefit of our countries, peoples and ASEAN.

Yours sincerely,

Lee Hsien Loong

His Excellency Rodrigo Duterte
President-elect
Republic of the Philippines