S'pore leaders send warm wishes to Laos on anniversary of diplomatic relations

SINGAPORE- President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam have sent letters to their counterparts in Lao People's Democratic Republic to mark the 40th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Singapore leaders also conveyed their congratulations on Laos' 39th national day.

In his letter to Lao President Choummaly Sayasone, President Tan said: "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."

PM Lee wrote to Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong: "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."

Mr Shanmugam noted in his letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith that Laos and Singapore, as small countries, share many common interests.

He said: "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."

huizhen@sph.com.sg