PM Lee, President Tony Tan congratulate China’s leaders on its National Day

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s leaders have written to their Chinese counterparts to congratulate them on China’s 63rd National Day.

In his congratulatory letter to Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said China has come a long way since 1949, now being the world’s second largest economy and an important player on the international stage.

He added that China’s achievements over the last ten years in particular have been impressive, and where Premier Wen played an "instrumental role".

Mr Lee also thanked Premier Wen for his "invaluable contributions" to Singapore—China relations.

Mr Lee said bilateral cooperation has been multi—faceted, and has kept pace with changing developmental needs.

He said there is scope for the two countries to work more closely, on "issues of mutual concern in the region and beyond".

President Tony Tan’s letter to President Hu Jintao spoke of the world looking to Asia, and especially China, as the engine for growth — against the backdrop of a weak economic outlook.

He added that China has made "tremendous progress as a nation" under President Hu’s leadership.

President Tony Tan said he is confident that bilateral relations between Singapore and China "will scale new heights".

— CNA/ck