On 29 March 2018, His Excellency Hong Xiaoyong presented the letter of credence to President Madam Halimah Yacob at the Istana.

Ambassador Hong had a cordial and friendly meeting with Madam President. Ambassador Hong conveyed the sincere greetings and best wishes from President Xi Jinping to President Halimah Yacob and extended the appreciation to Madam President on the letter of congratulation on President Xi Jinping’s re-election.

Ambassador Hong said that China and Singapore are close and friendly neighbours, and, over the recent years, China-Singapore relations have moved up to higher level. In 2015, President Xi Jinping visited Singapore, during which the two countries established the All-Round Cooperative Partnership Progressing with the Times. Ambassador Hong said that thanks to the care and direct involvement of our leaders, we have witnessed deepened political mutual trust, closer practical cooperation and stronger public support for our bilateral relations.

Ambassador Hong said that China and Singapore have entered a new era featuring with greater opportunities. Like the Chinese saying goes, never forget why we started and our mission will be accomplished. Looking into the future, China is ready to work with Singapore to further cement our political mutual trust, better connect our development strategies and deepen the Belt and Road cooperation, so that China-Singapore relations will keep breaking new grounds in the years to come.

Madam President congratulated Ambassador Hong on assuming the responsibility and asked him to convey her high tributes and sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping. Madam President said that Singapore-China relations are growing on a good trajectory with frequent high-level visits, wide cooperation and dynamic people-to-people exchanges. The Singaporean side is ready to work with the Chinese side to further promote friendship between two countries and contribute more to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Before presenting his credentials, Ambassador Hong Xiaoyong inspected the guards of Singapore Armed Forces.

Ambassador Hong Xiaoyong arrived in Singapore on 15 March, and presented the copy of his credentials to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 20 March.

（ Photo credit: MCI ）