In a statement today, Singapore’s foreign affairs ministry said Lee had made a telephone call to Ismail this morning.
Both prime ministers reaffirmed Singapore and Malaysia’s long-standing, deep and broad-ranging relations, and looked forward to working closely together to confront the shared challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, said the ministry.
Meanwhile, in his congratulatory letter to Ismail, Lee invited his new Malaysian counterpart to make an official visit to Singapore.
“I have every confidence that our relationship will continue to flourish. I look forward to meeting you soon, and working with you to expand our cooperation for mutual benefit.
“I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to make an official visit to Singapore for us to discuss how we can partner each other to take our friendship further,” wrote Lee.
In the letter, which was appended to the media, Lee said he was confident Malaysia would continue to prosper under Ismail’s leadership.
“With your wealth of experience in public service and government, including having helmed multiple ministries prior to your appointments as deputy prime minister and senior minister, I am confident that Malaysia will continue to prosper under your leadership.”
Lee highlighted that Malaysia and Singapore “enjoy deep, warm, and multifaceted relations”.
“We share many common interests, and our peoples have familial ties across the border.
“Over the years, Singapore has cooperated closely with successive Malaysian governments to confront our shared challenges, including this pandemic.
“You have contributed significantly to strengthening bilateral cooperation, including co-chairing the Singapore-Malaysia Special Working Committee on Covid-19, to oversee the continued movement of people and goods across our borders,” said Lee.
Lee and his wife, Ho Ching, also hoped Ismail and his wife, Muhaini Zainal Abidin, would continue to enjoy good health and happiness.
The Bera MP took his oath of office before the King at Istana Negara yesterday.