Welcoming Prime Minister Lee Hsien-Loong to the United States and reaffirming Singapore’s strategic partnership with the United States, encompassing broad and robust economic, military-to-military, law enforcement, and counterterrorism cooperation.

welcomes Prime Minister Lee Hsien-Loong of Singapore for his official visit to the United States and State Dinner on August 2nd, as the United States and Singapore commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Singapore–United States bilateral diplomatic relationship that has served as an anchor for the United States in Asia;

affirms the importance of the United States–Singapore strategic partnership in securing regional peace and stability, including through rotational basing and logistical support arrangements that enhance the United States presence in Southeast Asia;

applauds the Republic of Singapore’s leadership in counterterrorism, including the deployment of military assets as part of the anti-ISIL coalition and innovative counterterrorism efforts within the Asia-Pacific region;

anticipates the deepening of the security relationship following the signing of an enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement in Washington on December 7, 2015, and welcomes further cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and defense technology;

recognizes the vitality of the bilateral trade and investment relationship between the United States and Singapore;

supports continued close cooperation between the United States and Singapore, through bilateral initiatives such as the U.S.–Singapore Third Country Training Program, and multilateral initiatives such as U.S.–ASEAN Connect announced at the recent U.S.–ASEAN Summit in Sunnylands, to build capacity for commercial engagement, energy development, innovation, trade facilitation, and to achieve development goals in the Asia-Pacific region; and

urges the President to continue United States support of multilateral institutions and fora such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, working in close cooperation with partners, such as the Republic of Singapore, who share a commitment to an inclusive, rules-based regional architecture.