MFA Press Statement: Congratulatory Messages from Singapore Leaders to People's Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Leaders on the 20th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to the PRC

            Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written to President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Xi Jinping, and Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean has written to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chief Executive Carrie Lam, to congratulate them on the occasion of the 20^th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to the PRC and the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR on 1 July 2017.  

            PM and DPM Teo’s congratulatory letters are appended.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
1 JULY 2017

Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping

1 July 2017

Dear President Xi,

            On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I extend my warmest congratulations on the joyous occasion of the 20^th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). 

            Over the past twenty years, the Hong Kong SAR has thrived and prospered under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Under this special arrangement, the Hong Kong SAR has been able to ride on Mainland China’s extensive economic and developmental opportunities while enjoying a high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law promulgated by the National People’s Congress. This has brought immense benefits to the Hong Kong people. I am confident that with the strong support of the Central Government, Hong Kong will continue to grow from strength-to-strength and the Hong Kong people will enjoy greater peace, stability and prosperity. 

            Singapore’s close relations with the Hong Kong SAR are underpinned by strong economic ties and frequent high-level exchanges. Cooperation between Singapore and Mainland China also continues to deepen.  Our third Government-to-Government project, the Sino-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative, has seen good progress. Both sides are strengthening cooperation in areas such as financial services, leadership development, and social governance. China’s “Belt and Road” initiative has also provided many new opportunities for bilateral collaboration. 

            The 20^th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong is an important milestone in the history of China. Singapore looks forward to continue working with China to raise our bilateral relations to a higher level, and with the Hong Kong SAR to deepen our cooperation.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Excellency Xi Jinping

President

People’s Republic of China

Letter from Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean to Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam

1 July 2017

Mrs Carrie Lam

Chief Executive

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Dear Carrie,

            On behalf of the Singapore Government, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you on the joyous occasion of the 20^th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 

            Hong Kong’s development has grown from strength-to-strength since its return to China under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.  Embodying the “Lion Rock Spirit”, the people of Hong Kong have come together to overcome various challenges over the years, including the financial crises and SARS, to achieve prosperity and progress.  As China continues its growth, vast developmental opportunities await Hong Kong, including the “Belt and Road” initiative and the Guangdong-Macao-Hong Kong Greater Bay Area development.  Under your able leadership and with the strong support of the Central Government, I am confident that Hong Kong will continue to flourish.

            Singapore and Hong Kong share close and multifaceted cooperation, marked by strong linkages in wide-ranging sectors and frequent people-to-people exchanges.  Our two cities share many similarities and challenges, and have benefited from each other’s experiences over the years.  Singapore looks forward to greater collaboration and partnership with Hong Kong under your leadership.

            I wish you success and look forward to seeing you again soon. 

Yours sincerely,

TEO CHEE HEAN