MFA Press Statement: Messages from Singapore Leaders to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) Leaders In Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Singapore and the Lao PDR, 2 December 2014

        Singapore and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic established diplomatic relations on 2 December 1974. To commemorate the 40^th Anniversary of that event, President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam exchanged messages with Lao President Choummaly Sayasone, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith. The texts of the messages are appended below.

. . . . .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

2 DECEMBER 2014

Letter from President Tony Tan Keng Yam to President Choummaly Sayasone

2 December 2014

His Excellency Choummaly Sayasone
President
Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Dear President Choummaly,

        On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to convey to you and the people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic our warmest wishes on the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Laos. Our cooperation is built on a strong foundation of friendship between our peoples. I am confident that our relations will continue to deepen and broaden to the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples in the years to come.

        I also take this opportunity to convey my sincere congratulations on the occasion of your country’s 39^th National Day.

        Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

TONY TAN KENG YAM

Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong

2 December 2014

Dear Prime Minister Thongsing,

        On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I extend my best wishes to you and your Government on the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Over the past four decades, the ties between our countries have broadened and deepened significantly, as was affirmed by your official visit to Singapore in February. I look forward to continue working with you to strengthen our cooperation, bilaterally and within ASEAN.

        I also take this opportunity to convey my warmest congratulations to you and your Government on the occasion of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s 39^th National Day.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Excellency Thongsing Thammavong

Prime Minister

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith

2 December 2014

His Excellency Dr Thongloun Sisoulith
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Dear DPM Thongloun,

        Please accept my best wishes on the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and Singapore. As small countries, Laos and Singapore share many common interests. Over the past four decades, the bilateral relationship has grown from strength to strength, and I believe there is potential for us to deepen bilateral cooperation even further.

        Our close cooperation extends to ASEAN. I am confident that by working closely together, ASEAN will be able to handle the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that emerge.

        Please accept as well, my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the 39^th National Day of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

        I wish Your Excellency continued good health and success.

Yours sincerely,

K SHANMUGAM