President Tan confident US will steer world out of uncertainty

SINGAPORE: President Tony Tan Keng Yam has said he is confident that the United States will be able to rise to the occasion of steering of the world out of economic uncertainty, under the leadership of President Barack Obama.

In a congratulatory letter to President Obama on his inauguration for a second term in office, President Tan noted that during his first term, the US averted a financial and economic catastrophe while the lives of many Americans improved.

President Tan said the global economic outlook remains subdued and many countries will continue to look to the US for leadership.

He said he is confident that under President Obama’s leadership, as well as the resourcefulness and tenacity of the American spirit, the US will be able to rise to the occasion.

Turning to relations between Singapore and the US, President Tan said both sides enjoy excellent and multifaceted relations underpinned by the US—Singapore Free Trade Agreement and the Strategic Framework Agreement.

Over the last four years, cooperation between both countries has broadened to include education and technical assistance to developing countries, particularly within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

President Tan said he looks forward to further enhancing the bilateral relationship.

He also wished President Obama every success during his second term in office.

— CNA/al