Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind felicitated their counterparts in Singapore on the latter’s 53rd National Day.
Modi, who delivered the keynote address at the Shangri La Dialogue this June, recalled his visit to the island nation in an official communique to Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong.
“The memories of my recent visit to Singapore and your warm hospitality are still fresh in my mind. The India-Singapore strategic partnership has expanded by leaps and bounds in recent years,” he said, adding, “I also take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of Singapore.”
President Kovind, in a letter addressed to Singapore President Halimah Yacob, echoed the PM’s sentiments. He wrote that relations between the two nations were marked by mutual affection and trust, and expressed confidence that their partnership would go from strength to strength.
“On behalf of the government and people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency, the government and the people of Singapore on the occasion of your National Day,” Kovind wrote.
Top officials from other nations sent greetings as well.
United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wished Singapore a year of peace, success, and happiness in a National Day greeting on behalf of the US government.
In a post on the Facebook page of the US Embassy in Singapore, Pompeo hailed Singapore as a "longstanding valued partner" and "friend in the Indo-Pacific region".
"We look forward to further strengthening this partnership to achieve mutual goals and co-operate on regional challenges in the region," he said.
"Congratulations on your 53rd anniversary and best wishes for a year filled with peace, success, and happiness."