In a ceremonial event at the Istana, three diplomats from Uzbekistan, China, and Guyana presented their credentials to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, formally commencing their diplomatic missions in Singapore.

On April 30, 2024, a significant diplomatic event took place at the Istana in Singapore, where three new foreign Heads of Mission presented their credentials to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. These presentations mark the official start of their terms as ambassadors and high commissioners to Singapore, strengthening international ties.

His Excellency Alisher Kayumov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Prior to his current role, Ambassador Kayumov was a Counsellor at the Uzbek Embassy in Berlin. He has a broad background in diplomacy, having served in various capacities at the Uzbek embassies in Vienna and Bonn, and in the private sector. His early career was spent in the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations of Uzbekistan. Ambassador Kayumov was born in 1970 and is a graduate of Tashkent State University. Fluent in Uzbek, English, Russian, and German, he is married and is a father to four children.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore (MCI)

His Excellency Cao Zhongming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China
Ambassador Cao has a distinguished diplomatic career, holding positions such as Deputy Director General in the Department of African Affairs and Director General in the Department of Personnel at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His overseas postings include roles in Chad, France, and Mali, and prior to Singapore, he was the Ambassador to Belgium. Born in 1965 and a native of Zhejiang province, Ambassador Cao earned his LLM from Peking University. He is married with one son.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore (MCI)

Her Excellency Anyin Choo, High Commissioner of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
High Commissioner Choo has over two decades of experience in diplomacy, trade negotiations, and business management. She served as Director of International Cooperation at Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation and has held positions on several national boards. High Commissioner Choo has been active in both the Guyanese Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate in Toronto. She holds an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business and a BA in Languages from the Beijing Language and Culture University. Married and a mother of three, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore (MCI)

This ceremony underscores Singapore’s commitment to fostering robust diplomatic relations and highlights the pivotal role these envoys will play in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between their respective countries and Singapore.

Source – MFA