Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong congratulated Mr. Anwar Ibrahim on his appointment as Malaysia's tenth prime minister on Thursday, November 24.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a copy of the letter available to the media.
In it, Mr. Lee informed the newly sworn-in prime minister that his premiership coincides with substantial regional and international challenges.
He said that both nations have a long-standing, substantial connection that is "supported by our historical ties, multifaceted collaboration, and strong people-to-people links."
Mr. Anwar thanked Mr. Lee for the congratulatory letter during his first press conference as prime minister on Thursday night.
Mr. Anwar stated that Mr. Lee had made a "strong remark" about the countries' close working relationship.
Mr. Lee stated in his letter that Singapore and Malaysia have been strong allies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which remains crucial to the stability of Southeast Asia in the face of escalating geopolitical concerns.
He further stated that bilateral collaboration between the two countries has since expanded into "new and growing areas."
Mr. Lee concluded his letter by expressing his eagerness to meet Mr. Anwar in the near future to address the similar concerns affecting the two nations and "how we can progress our bilateral relationship."
Mr. Lee wished Mr. Anwar and his wife, Dato' Seri Dr. Wan Azizah, good health and happiness, on behalf of his wife, Ho Ching.
Mr. Anwar told the reporters on Thursday evening that in addition to receiving a congratulations letter from Mr. Lee, he had talked with Presidents Joko Widodo and Recep Tayyip Erdoan of Indonesia and Turkey on the phone prior to the news conference.
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