Congratulatory message from PM Lee Hsien Loong to New Zealand PM John Key on the victory of the National Party in the New Zealand General Election 2014

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written to Prime Minister John Key to congratulate him on the victory of the National Party in the New Zealand General Election held on 20 September 2014.  The text of Prime Minister Lee’s letter is enclosed.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE

22 September 2014

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Dear Prime Minister Key,

               On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I warmly congratulate you on leading the National Party to a third successive victory at the recent general election.  Your resounding win reflects the continuing confidence and trust of the people of New Zealand in your party, as well as in your personal leadership and vision for the country.

               On your watch, New Zealand has successfully navigated the global financial crisis to become among the best performing economies in the OECD, while overcoming the tragic devastation caused by the Canterbury earthquake.  Your government has also made notable efforts to engage ASEAN, and link New Zealand more closely with the region.

               Singapore and New Zealand are close friends and longstanding partners.  Our bilateral relations are excellent, underpinned by our shared strategic perspectives, wide ranging cooperation in defence, trade and other areas, as well as strong people-to-people ties.

               Next year, we commemorate the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.  I look forward to continuing working with you to enhance both our bilateral ties and our regional cooperation, in ASEAN and other forums.

               I wish you and your government every success in your new term.  I look forward to meeting you again soon. 

Yours Sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

The Right Honourable John Key MP
Prime Minister
New Zealand

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