Sports Desk: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday congratulated Tharman Shanmugaratnam on his victory in Singapore`s presidential election, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders also sent their congratulations on Sunday to Srettha Thavisin on his selection as prime minister of Thailand, another SPA report said.

In separate cables, the king and crown prince further wished the new leaders of the two Southeast Asian countries and their peoples "success" and "further progress and prosperity."

Tharman, 66, an economist by profession who has previously served his country in various capacities, was announced winner in the September 1, 2023 election after receiving 70.40% of the vote. He will succeed Halimah Yacob and will be the 9th president of Singapore.

As head of state, the president of Singapore appoints the prime minister, who is the head of government.

Srettha, the new prime minister of Thailand, was named to the post by Parliament on August 22 and King Maha Vajiralongkorn issued his royal approval on September 1.

A prominent real estate developer until officially entering politics last year, Srettha will also hold the finance minister’s post.