Singapore sends Pakistan congratulatory letters to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations

Singapore’s leaders sent congratulatory messages to Pakistan’s leaders, as the two countries marked 60 years of diplomatic relations on Aug 24.

In a letter to Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Aug 24, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said both nations have enjoyed “shared warm and friendly relations”, which have been built on mutual respect and understanding over the past six decades.

He said Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise Singapore after the latter’s independence in 1965.

“We have collaborated bilaterally and in multilateral fora. There is scope to expand our cooperation in trade facilitation, digital economy, people-to-people exchanges, and capacity building,” PM Wong said.

He added he looks forward to working with Sharif and his government to explore ways to further broaden both countries’ partnership.

Separately, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, in his message to Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammad Ishaq Dar, said the 60th anniversary milestone underscored the longstanding friendship between the two countries, underpinned by close people-to-people ties.

“Over the decades, we have stepped up cooperation in capacity building and cultural exchanges,” Balakakrishnan said.

“There is room to explore ways to deepen ties for the mutual benefit of our peoples as we navigate evolving global challenges,” he added.