SINGAPORE - China and Singapore have entered a new era featuring with greater opportunities, said Hong Xiaoyong, the newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, on Thursday.

China is ready to work with Singapore to further cement political mutual trust, better connect development strategies and deepen the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, so that China-Singapore relations will keep breaking new grounds in the years to come, he added.

Hong made the remarks when meeting with Singaporean President Halimah Yacob and presented the letter of credence to her, according to a press release from the Chinese embassy.

He said China and Singapore are close and friendly neighbours, and, over the recent years, China-Singapore relations have moved up to a higher level.

Hong said that thanks to the care and direct involvement of Chinese and Singaporean leaders, the two countries have witnessed deepened political mutual trust, closer practical cooperation and stronger public support for their bilateral relations.

Halimah Yacob said that Singapore-China relations are growing on a good trajectory with frequent high-level visits, wide cooperation and dynamic people-to-people exchanges.

The Singaporean side is ready to work with the Chinese side to further promote friendship between the two countries and contribute more to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Hong is the 11th Chinese ambassador to Singapore. He arrived in Singapore on March 15, and presented the copy of his credentials to Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 20.