25 Jul 2017
President Tony Tan Keng Yam has written a valedictory letter to outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee and a congratulatory letter to President Ram Nath Kovind. President Kovind was sworn-in as India’s 14th President on 25 July 2017.
The text of the letters is enclosed.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
25 JULY 2017
______________________________________________
24 July 2017
His Excellency Pranab Mukherjee
President
Republic of India
Your Excellency,
On behalf of the people of Singapore, I congratulate Your Excellency on the completion of a successful term as President of the Republic of India.
During your tenure, Your Excellency led India with grace and wisdom, providing the country with a sense of unity amidst diversity. Your Excellency is held in high regard by the people of India, especially for your effort in advancing the interests of your people for the common good. The bilateral relationship between Singapore and India strengthened significantly under your Presidency. In particular, our two countries signed the Strategic Partnership in November 2015 which provides the foundation to further deepen and advance bilateral cooperation. I am confident that the close ties between Singapore and India will continue to grow.
My wife and I continue to hold fond memories of our State Visit to India in 2015, and recall your warm hospitality and friendship. We wish you good health and success in all your future endeavours, and look forward to the opportunity of meeting you again.
Yours sincerely,
DR TONY TAN KENG YAM
______________________________________________
25 July 2017
His Excellency Ram Nath Kovind
President
Republic of India
Your Excellency,
On behalf of the people of Singapore, I warmly congratulate Your Excellency on your election as the 14th President of the Republic of India.
Singapore-India relations are longstanding and deep. Cultural and historical ties bind our two countries together. Economic ties remain strong, with Singapore ranked the second largest investor in India. Singapore companies are involved in many strategic and development projects in India, including business parks, energy infrastructure, ports, aviation, smart cities and skills development. The close relations between Singapore and India were further elevated with the signing of the Strategic Partnership in November 2015, which provides a framework for our two countries to strengthen cooperation. In this regard, I would like to extend a warm invitation to Your Excellency to visit Singapore, and I look forward to welcoming you.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
DR TONY TAN KENG YAM