SINGAPORE: Singapore has welcomed the successful conclusion of the Taiwan presidential election.

And it's also congratulated Dr Ma Ying-jeou on winning the election.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said as a long-standing friend of Taiwan, Singapore will continue to maintain good relations with Taiwan based on the ‘One China’ policy.

Singapore also looks forward to better cross-strait relations.

The ministry said China's President Hu Jintao has called for negotiations with Taiwan to build up a framework for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.

Dr Ma has also pledged to promote economic interactions and dialogue across the Taiwan Strait.

As such Singapore urges all parties to take advantage of this new opportunity to resume dialogue and work towards greater peace and prosperity in the region.

As for Taiwan's referendum on a bid to join the United Nations, the ministry said it serves no useful purpose as far as membership to the UN is concerned, adding that it's a populist gesture made for electoral purposes, which has caused cross-strait tensions.

It said such tension can only constrict and not expand Taiwan's international space. - CNA/vm