“SUBSTANTIVE RELATIONSHIP”
Congratulating Mr Li on his appointment to the 20th CPC Central Committee Politburo Standing Committee, Mr Lee wrote of the “substantive relationship” between Singapore and China.
“Our three Government-to-Government projects – the Suzhou Industrial Park, the Tianjin Eco-City and the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative – continue to be successful examples of what our countries can achieve together,” he said.
“Our multifaceted and forward-looking cooperation has progressed steadily over the years, expanding into new areas such as the digital and green economies.
“I am confident that Singapore-China relations will continue to flourish with the incoming Chinese leadership and as our countries work towards the full restoration of air connectivity.”
Mr Lee recalled his last meeting with Mr Li as he rounded off his letter.
“I warmly recall our discussions when we last met in Shanghai in 2018,” he said, adding that he looked forward to meeting Mr Li again and working closely with him and his colleagues to strengthen bilateral relations.
“I wish you every success in your new appointment.”
The CPC Central Committee elected Mr Xi as its general secretary for another five-year term on Oct 23.
The 69-year-old is expected to officially secure a historic third term as China’s president, due to be formally announced during the government’s annual legislative sessions next March.
Mr Li, a former Shanghai party chief and a confidante of Mr Xi’s, was elevated to the number two position on the seven-man Standing Committee, making him likely to be named premier during the same sessions.