President Tharman, PM Wong congratulate newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung
South Korean president Lee Jae-myung taking an oath during his inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly in Seoul on June 4. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
SINGAPORE – President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended congratulations to newly elected South Korean president Lee Jae-myung on June 5.
Mr Lee was elected president in a June 3 snap election, six months to the day after he evaded military cordons to vote against a shock martial law decree imposed by his ousted predecessor.
Singapore and the Republic of Korea enjoy substantive and multi-faceted relations, underpinned by robust economic links and strong people-to-people ties, wrote Mr Tharman in his letter.
He noted that both countries are 'like-minded partners who cooperate well at multilateral fora and share a similar outlook on key regional and international issues, in particular the need to support free trade, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order'.
Mr Tharman said that, with 2025 marking the 50th anniversary of Singapore's diplomatic relations with South Korea, he is confident that these close ties will continue to strengthen with Mr Lee's support and leadership.
'I wish you every success as you assume your new role and take the country forward,' said Mr Tharman, who also extended an invitation to Mr Lee to visit Singapore soon and wished him good health .
PM Wong said in his letter that Mr Lee's victory reflected the confidence that the people of South Korea have in his leadership and vision.
Also highlighting the close and longstanding friendship that Singapore and South Korea shared, PM Wong noted the strong and multi-faceted cooperation between both countries, including collaboration in new and emerging areas like the digital economy, energy and sustainability, artificial intelligence, start-ups, research and development and food security.
'We are like-minded partners on many regional and international issues, including the importance of a peaceful Korean Peninsula and an open, rules-based international trading system,' said PM Wong.
Both countries are set to upgrade relations to a strategic partnership in October, and this also includes timely reviews of the Korea-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and the bilateral Air Services Agreement, said PM Wong, adding that he is looking forward to working with Mr Lee to advance this cooperation.
'I wish you good health and success as you assume office. I look forward to visiting the Republic of Korea later this year to attend the Apec (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders' Meeting, and to make an official visit where we can jointly launch the Republic of Korea-Singapore strategic partnership,' said PM Wong.
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