PM Wong congratulates Keir Starmer, Labour Party on UK general election victory

(Photo credit: Reuters)

Source: Channel News Asia

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has written to Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his appointment as Britain's prime minister, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (Jul 5). 

Mr Starmer's centre-left Labour Party swept to power after winning the general election on Friday, ending 14 years of right-wing Conservative rule by Rishi Sunak's party.

"I extend my warmest congratulations on Labour’s strong showing at the UK general election and your appointment as prime minister," said Mr Wong in a congratulatory letter to his counterpart.

"Your premiership comes at a time of significant global challenges, and the British people have placed their trust in your leadership by giving you a strong mandate to guide the country through these challenging times."

He noted Singapore's long-standing partnership with the UK, with "ties dating back over two centuries".

Mr Wong added both countries share a warm and deep friendship, underpinned by robust cooperation across a wide range of sectors and strong people-to-people ties. 

These sectors include trade and investment, finance, defence and security, he noted in a Facebook post on Friday.

"Our steadfast partnership is built on a mutual commitment to economic progress, and a shared respect for international norms and a rules-based multilateral order," said Mr Wong to Mr Starmer.

In his letter, Mr Wong also talked about the launch of the Singapore-UK "strategic partnership" in September 2023, calling it a "key milestone" in bilateral relations. 

As part of the partnership, Singapore is seeking to strengthen cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, renewable energy and sustainability. 

"These initiatives will create new opportunities for our businesses and peoples," said Mr Wong. 

"We can work together to advance our countries’ shared interests and address common challenges."

"I look forward to working with Mr Starmer and his team to strengthen our strategic partnership," Mr Wong also wrote on Facebook.

He added that Singapore values the UK’s continued engagement of the region, including as a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and as fellow members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

The UK was accorded the status of ASEAN dialogue partner in August 2021.

Mr Wong wished Mr Starmer good health and success, adding that he looked forward to meeting him soon.