KUALA LUMPUR: World leaders have extended their congratulatory wishes to Lawrence Wong upon his swearing-in as Singapore’s fourth prime minister.
Wong, who officially took office in a ceremony at the Istana, the office of the Singapore President on Wednesday evening, has received commendations from across the globe, highlighting his esteemed position on the world stage.
Among the first to offer congratulations was British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who expressed optimism for the future of bilateral relations between the two nations.
“Congratulations to @LawrenceWongST. For decades, the UK and Singapore have worked side by side on trade, security and technology, championed by @leehsienloong. I know that relationship will continue to thrive in the years to come through our Strategic Partnership,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, on the official website of the US Department of State, also extended sincere congratulations to Wong on assuming his new role.
“We look forward to working with Prime Minister Wong to further strengthen the US-Singapore strategic partnership and uphold international norms and standards in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world.
“We will also continue to bolster our strong economic, security and people-to-people ties for the benefit of the American and Singaporean peoples,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Blinken also expressed gratitude towards outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for his substantial contributions over the past 20 years, which have strengthened the deep and enduring partnership between the nations and advanced a shared vision of a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday sent a letter of congratulations to Wong as the latter took office as prime minister of Singapore, according to Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
Wong was sworn in as Singapore’s fourth prime minister at the Istana on Wednesday night.
Wong, 51, succeeds Lee Hsien Loong, 72, who led the nation for nearly 20 years.
The ceremony, broadcast live on television and streamed on social media platforms, began with the national anthem, Majulah Singapura, followed by a speech from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
The newly-minted prime minister, in his maiden speech, said his government will strengthen partnerships “near and far” while advancing the nation’s interests against the backdrop of rising rivalry and tension in the international arena. – BERNAMA
