Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Tharman Shanmugaratnam on his victory in Singapore’s presidential election, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
In separate cables, the king and crown prince also wished Singapore’s president-elect “success” and the people of the wealthy Southeast Asian nation “further progress and prosperity.”
Tharman, 66, an economist by profession, has served his country in various capacities, including as senior minister between 2019 and 2023. He was first elected to parliament in 2001 and re-elected four times in subsequent elections.
He was announced winner in the September 1, 2023 election after receiving 70.40% of the vote, becoming the 9th president of Singapore. He will succeed Halimah Yacob, the first female president of the city-state.
As head of state, the president of Singapore appoints the prime minister, who is the head of government.
