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May 5th, 2025
Press Release
Timor-Leste Government Congratulates Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on His Election
The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, sent a message of congratulations to his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, ‘I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on the victory of the People’s Action Party and your election as Prime Minister’ of the Republic of Singapore.
Lawrence Wong led the People’s Action Party (PAP) to victory in the general elections held on May 3rd, 2025, consolidating his mandate after taking over as Prime Minister in May 2024, following the departure of Lee Hsien Loong, who headed the Government of Singapore for two decades.
In his message, the head of the Timorese Government emphasized that ‘the comprehensive result is a powerful demonstration of the confidence that the people of Singapore have in your leadership, your stewardship of the nation and your vision for Singapore’s future.’
He also stressed the ‘fundamental stabilizing role in Southeast Asia and beyond’ played by Singapore, adding that ‘your country’s leadership in promoting open trade, investment and cooperation, as well as its advocacy of dialogue and peace, contribute significantly to the development and prosperity of our region.’
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão expressed his appreciation for the ‘strong relationship of friendship and cooperation’ between Timor-Leste and Singapore and looked forward to ‘working together [with the Government of Lawrence Wong] to further deepen our bilateral ties and explore new areas of mutual benefit.’
Reiterating Timor-Leste’s commitment to regional integration, the head of the Timorese Government thanked Singapore for its ‘practical support, especially its assistance in strengthening our civil service to prepare for ASEAN accession’, which ‘reflects the spirit of solidarity and partnership that underpins our region.’
The Prime Minister concluded his message by reaffirming his desire to ‘deepen relations between the [two] countries and contribute to peace, stability and security in the region.’
The Prime Minister concluded his message by reaffirming his desire to ‘deepen relations between the [two] countries and contribute to peace, stability and security in the region.
The Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Spokesperson of the Government, Agio Pereira, emphasized that ‘Singapore has been a consistent and strategic partner for Timor-Leste, not only in the process of joining ASEAN, but also in the sharing of knowledge and institutional capacity building. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s leadership represents a continuity of trust and a renewed opportunity to deepen our bilateral cooperation.’