In his letter to Mr Trump on Monday, Mr Wong said that the US has played” an essential role in safeguarding the global lords, upholding steadiness and fostering global security”.
He expressed confidence that under Mr Trump’s administration , the US will continue to exercise its international position. He added that Singapore can continue to be depended on as a” trusted friend and partner, as we work together to improve our several shared passions”.
Mr Wong said:” As we discussed during our phone contact, Singapore and the US like an excellent relationship that has deepened over the years. Backed by the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, our military cooperation remains strong, and our two army enjoy near ties.
” We work closely in the areas of surveillance and terrorism, and Singapore remains the sole Eastern region to have contributed defense resources and personnel to the Defeat-ISIS partnership. “
Noting that the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement continues to bring” major benefits” to both locations, Mr Wong said bilateral trade has “nearly tripled” since it came into force in 2004, with the US regularly maintaining a big trade deficit with Singapore.
He also said that Singapore is the third-largest Asian investor in the US, with both investments and bilateral trade supporting more than 270,000 “well-paying jobs” across the US.
Singapore also provides a useful gateway for American businesses looking to venture abroad and expand their operations into Asia, he added.
Both Mr Tharman and Mr Wong said they welcome Mr Trump, who came to Singapore in 2018, to visit again soon.