MFA Press Statement: Congratulatory Messages from Singapore Leaders to President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic Of China

President S R Nathan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to congratulate President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic of China on the occasion of China's 60th National Day. Copies of the congratulatory letters are attached.

. . . . .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
30 SEPTEMBER 2009

President Nathan's letter to President Hu Jintao

25 September 2009

His Excellency Hu Jintao
President
People's Republic of China

Your Excellency

On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to you and the people of China on this momentous occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

China's dramatic transformation in the last 60 years has been phenomenal. China has overcome many challenges to achieve exceptional economic growth and progress. China today is one of the leading economies in the world. China has also become a key player on major global issues, such as climate change and nuclear non-proliferation. I am confident, under your wise leadership, China will continue to grow and prosper, and emerge in the world economy to benefit not only the people of China but also the rest of Asia.

Singapore cherishes its excellent relations with China, which is anchored on deepening and broadening bilateral economic, political and cultural cooperation. The frequent high-level visits, increasing people-to-people exchanges and robust economic collaboration underpin our excellent bilateral ties. As our two countries celebrate 20 years of diplomatic relations next year, I have every confidence that we will build upon the foundation of our excellent relationship and deepen it further in the years to come.

I wish you good health and look forward to welcoming Your Excellency to Singapore later this year in connection with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Summit. It is also my sincere wish that Your Excellency will do us the honour of coupling this with a bilateral State Visit to Singapore.

Yours sincerely

S R NATHAN
______________________________________________________________________
PM Lee's letter to Premier Wen Jiabao
25 September 2009

Dear Premier Wen

On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I would like to offer my congratulations on the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

China has made tremendous progress in the last 60 years. Today, China is one of the world's leading economies and an indispensable participant in many international issues such as climate change and nuclear non-proliferation. The strength and resilience of the Chinese economy in the face of the global financial crisis have helped to stabilise the regional economies. China's prosperity contributes to regional and global peace and stability. I am confident that China, under your capable leadership, will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Our bilateral relations have continued to flourish with growing win-win collaboration on many fronts. The China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement that took in effect in January this year will enhance our economic cooperation further. Our bilateral flagship projects - the Suzhou Industrial Park and the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city - testify to our strong and deep ties. Singapore greatly values its strong ties with China, and I thank you for strongly supporting our bilateral cooperation. As we look forward to the 20th anniversary of Singapore's diplomatic ties with China next year, I believe our relationship will continue to strengthen.

I look forward to meeting you again soon.

Yours sincerely

His Excellency Wen Jiabao
Premier of the State Council
People's Republic of China