View 2015 Tributes from Foreign Leaders

ASEAN Secretary-General, Le Luong Minh

ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh joined other world leaders in mourning the loss of Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, who passed away yesterday at 91. In a letter addressed to Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore and son of Lee Kuan Yew, Secretary-General Minh conveyed his “deepest condolences” on the passing of the late Prime Minister.

In his letter, Minh described Lee Kuan Yew as “a great statesman who had built Singapore with his vision, wisdom and courage.” The ASEAN Secretary-General also acknowledged the late Prime Minister as one of those “instrumental in the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations” in 1967. Singapore is one of ASEAN’s five founding members and together with the other leaders, he has provided guidance to ASEAN in its formative years. For three decades, Lee Kuan Yew dedicated his life to the success of his country and is widely recognised as the architect of Singapore’s transformation from a small port town 50 years ago to one of the world’s wealthiest countries. Secretary-General Minh noted that the late Prime Minister “has left a lasting legacy not only for Singapore but also for ASEAN and he will be greatly missed.”

Cambodian dignitaries signing the condolence book at the Singapore Embassy in Phnom Penh

Defence Minister of Indonesia, General (Retired) Ryamizard Ryacudu

“Every time I came for a meeting with the Singapore Army, he would definitely invite me for talks. I was shocked the first time. I was only the Army Chief. He was more senior than the prime minister. But he wanted to speak to me – not once but five times,” said General (Retired) Ryamizard.

“I regard him as a true statesman. He did not discriminate against anyone. He spoke from the heart and I responded likewise. He was sincere in his views. And I responded with sincerity. We understood each other,” he added.

General (Retired) Ryamizard likened his discussions with Mr Lee to those between a father and son. He said Mr Lee’s honesty and sincerity laid the foundation for good ties between Indonesia and Singapore’s armed forces.

“We must talk to each other, whatever the issues may be. There’s nothing hidden, because we know he is sincere, forthright. The rest of us followed the same,” said General (Retired) Ryamizard.

“From earlier on, Indonesia and Singapore conducted joint military exercises annually. The two armies took turns to host. Similarly, for the air force and navy. It has been going on well. That’s a result of the foundations laid from the top. That’s how it was between Mr Lee and President Suharto,” he added.

EU Ambassador to Singapore, Dr Michael Pulch

p>I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy to his family and the people of Singapore for the passing away of Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

He was an inspiring statesman whose vision of an independent and prosperous Singapore became the foundation of its lasting success.

Throughout his political life generations of European leaders did seek his views and advice to better understand dynamics in this part of the world. He will be deeply missed.

– Dr Michael Pulch, EU Ambassador to Singapore

Egypt President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Friday offered condolences to Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong over the death of his father and former premier Lee Kuan Yew, the founder of modern-day Singapore.

In a phone call with the Singaporean prime minister, Sisi paid tribute to the late premier as the “architect of Singapore’s economy”, who enriched during his rule the political and economic life of his country.

Sisi conveyed the Egyptian people’s condolences to the Singaporean people.

Former Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Dr Marty Natalegawa

“Mr Lee not only promoted Singapore’s national interests but also kept them in line with that of the region. By backing regional integration, Mr Lee contributed a great deal to the conducive climate of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), where member states engage and work towards their regional goals without interfering with each other”

EU dignitaries signing the condolence book in Singapore Embassy in Cairo

Amb Ismail Mobarak Former Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs and Chief of Protocol, Arab Republic of Egypt Amb Ismail Mobarak Former Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs and Chief of Protocol, Arab Republic of Egypt eygpt2

Former Military General of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto

“Mr Lee Kuan Yew was a towering figure in the history of Southeast Asia. For me personally and for younger generation Indonesians, we must learn from exemplary figures wherever they are from – more so if they come from our vicinity,”

“He was instrumental in finding ways of adapting and adjusting the regional situation and equation to whatever challenges were before us, Mr Lee was pragmatic and able to see the bigger picture.”

Former President of Indonesia, Megawati Sukarnoputri

Former Indonesian president Megawati Sukarnoputri paid her last respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the Parliament House at 1.15pm on Friday.

“He is my mentor,” the daughter of Indonesia’s first president Sukarno said of Mr Lee in Bahasa Indonesia.

She added that she was in Singapore as the head of her party, Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P) as well as the Sukarno family.

‘Personally I have a good relationship with him, and also his family.”

Former President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Saya turut berduka cita atas wafatnya Bapak Lee Kuan Yew. Dengan ini saya menyampaikan ucapan belasungkawa terhadap keluarga, pemerintah dan rakyat Singapura.

Bapak Lee Kuan Yew telah mengabdikan hidupnya dalam mewujudkan kemajuan yang menakjubkan bagi Singapura, serta beliau telah sungguh-sungguh membangun hubungan erat dengan Indonesia.

Saya menganggap Bapak Lee Kuan Yew sebagai sahabat dekat dan saya tahu bahwa beliau adalah sahabat sejati Indonesia.

Setiap pertemuan saya dengan Bapak Lee Kuan Yew selalu memberikan pelajaran berharga bagi saya. Ia adalah sosok yang bijaksana dan wawasannya mengenai hubungan internasional sangat luas.

Semenjak saya menjabat sebagai Presiden Republik Indonesia, saya telah bertemu beberapa kali dengan Bapak Lee Kuan Yew. Di setiap pertemuan tersebut Ia selalu memberikan motivasi dan nasihat yang tak ternilai bagi kemajuan Indonesia.

Bapak Lee Kuan Yew dikenal sebagai salah satu Kepala Negara yang sangat dihormati di Asia.

Sebagai salah satu pendiri ASEAN, Bapak Lee Kuan Yew telah menjadi tokoh penting dalam transformasi Asia Tenggara menuju komunitas dinamis yang damai seperti saat ini.

Bapak Lee Kuan Yew akan selalu dikenang tidak hanya oleh masyarakat Singapura, namun juga masyarakat Indonesia dan Asia Tenggara.

Semoga Almarhum dapat beristirahat dengan tenang.

Former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad

Former Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he was “saddened” by the demise of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew

He wrote on his blog: “I cannot say I was a close friend of Kuan Yew. But still I feel sad at his demise. We crossed swords many times … but there was no enmity, only differences in our views of what was good for the newborn nation.”

Former Prime Minister of United Kingdon, Mr Tony Blair

In an interview with Channel NewsAsia, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair recounted his past meetings with Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, and described Mr Lee as one of the most significant leaders of the late 20th century. More on the interview here

Former Thai Prime Minister and Thailand’s Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda at the Singapore Mission in Bangkok

“He was one of my very good friends while we worked together. We were both Prime Minister at the same time. We were very close and helped each other often. If there was no Lee Kuan Yew, I believe there would be no Singapore,” said Mr Prem.

“The Singaporean people must never forget him. They must remember that he built Singapore. Also, the things he wanted to do for Singapore but was not able to complete, the Singaporean people must come together to finish them.”

India Government declares National Mourning on March 29, 2015

The Government has decided to observe National Mourning on Sunday, March 29, 2015 as mark of respect to the Former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew. The National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India and there will be no official entertainment on the day. For the full message, click here.

Johor State Secretary, Dato’ Haji Ismail Bin Karim

On behalf of the Johor State Government and the people of Johor. I would like to convey our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew on 23 March 2015.

We will always remember Mr Lee legacy as the visionary leader who led Singapore through its challenging times and establishing it to be the globally recognised nation.

We hope you and your family will continue to be strong in this time of sorrow.

With deepest sympathies

Dato’ Haji Ismail bin Karim

Key dignitaries signing the condolence book at the Singapore Mission in Tokyo

Liberia President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

President Sirleaf has sent a condolence message to the Government and People of the Republic of Singapore following the death of its former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in her message to His Excellency Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore, President Sirleaf extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of Singapore, especially the bereaved family for the irreparable loss sustained on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia.

President Sirleaf added that former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew will be remembered for his numerous contributions and achievements especially as founding father of Singapore whose guidance led to its development into a modern state. The Liberian President recalled with satisfaction the visionary leadership of the Former Prime Minister whom she said led his country from its independence in 1965 and build it as one of the most prosperous nations in the world. President Sirleaf noted that the former Prime Minister was a devoted and exemplary public servant and a notable leader in the world; she prayed that God grants President courage and strength as the people of Singapore go through this period of national mourning.

New Zealand DPM and MPs paid special tributes to Mr Lee Kuan Yew during a parliamentary session

New Zealand Flags to be lowered to half-mast this Sunday 29 March 2015

Pursuant to section 10(1) of Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981, the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Maggie Barry ONZM, hereby gives notice that the New Zealand Flag is to be half-masted on all Government and public buildings on Sunday 29 March 2015 to mark the funeral of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister.

President of France, Francois Hollande

“The President of the French Republic has learnt with great sadness of the demise of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, first Head of Government of Singapore. He honors the memory of this visionary statesman, who was able to guide the remarkable development of Singapore since its independence in 1965,” he said.

“As Singapore and France mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year, France has lost a friend who had strived to draw our two nations closer and deepen our cooperation in all fields.

“In these moments of mourning of the entire nation, the Head of State addresses his sincere condolences to the loved ones of MrLee Kuan Yew and to the people of Singapore.

President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo

“The government and people of Indonesia wish to convey their deep sorrow over the passing of former PM Lee Kuan Yew on Monday, 3.18am.

“The late former prime minister is a close friend of Indonesia, and known as the founding father of modern Singapore. As a leader and a great statesman who loved his people, he was also one of the most influential politicians in Asia.

“Under his leadership, Singapore successfully transformed into a major economic hub in Asia, putting it on a par with other developed nations.

“The Government and people of Indonesia pray that the family he leaves behind, the Government, nation and citizens be given the strength and fortitude in facing this moment of grief.

“The Government and people of Indonesia believe that Singapore would be able to pull through this difficult time and develop according to the aspirations of the people.”

President of Russia, Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to President of Singapore Tony Tan Keng Yam following the death Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s longstanding former prime minister and one of the patriarchs of international politics.

Mr Putin expressed high praise for the socioeconomic advances and science and technology progress that Singapore achieved under Lee Kuan Yew. “Over his decades of work as Prime Minister and in other high government posts, he earned his compatriots’ sincere love and respect and won the highest international influence,” the President noted.

Mr Putin also said in his message that Russia will remember Lee Kuan Yew as a consistent supporter of developing friendly relations between Russia and Singapore and a leader who made a great personal contribution to strengthening the two countries’ mutually advantageous bilateral cooperation.

President of the European Council, Mr Donald Tusk

Dear Mr Prime Minister, Please accept my condolences on the sad occasion of the passing of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. Lee Kuan Yew will be remembered for having inspired the astonishing growth and transformation of Singapore into the successful metropolis it is today. He helped to build strong relations between Singapore and the European Union so that today Singapore is the European Union’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. You have lost an eminent statesman who, well into his retirement, continued to share his experience in diplomacy and his understanding of Asian geopolitics with others. However, the grief felt over his loss is also a personal one for you today.

With my sincerest condolences, Donald Tusk H.E.

李克强总理就李光耀逝世向新加坡总理李显龙致唁电

2015年3月23日，国务院总理李克强就新加坡前总理李光耀不幸逝世向新加坡总理李显龙致唁电。李克强代表中国政府和人民并以个人的名义，向新加坡政府和人民表示沉痛哀悼，向李显龙及家人致以深切慰问。

李克强在唁电中表示，李光耀先生和中国老一辈领导人共同推开了中新友好合作大门，他为中新关系和中国改革开放作出的贡献必将载入史册。李光耀先生是世界公认的战略家和政治家，是新加坡的开国之父和发展之父，也是东盟的创建者之一，他为本地区的和平与发展作出了重要贡献。

李克强表示，新加坡是中国重要的友好邻邦。中方愿同新方共同努力，弘扬两国几代领导人共同开创和精心培育的友好传统，推动中新友好合作关系不断向前发展。

习近平主席就李光耀逝世向新加坡总统陈庆炎致唁电

2015年3月23日，国家主席习近平就新加坡前总理李光耀不幸逝世向新加坡总统陈庆炎致唁电。习近平代表中国政府和人民并以个人的名义，对李光耀逝世表示深切的哀悼，向李光耀的亲属表示诚挚的慰问。

习近平在唁电中表示，李光耀先生是新加坡共和国的缔造者，也是广受国际社会尊重的战略家和政治家。李光耀先生是中国人民的老朋友，是中新关系的奠基人、开拓者、推动者。李光耀先生同中国老一辈领导人共同确立了中新关系发展方向，为增进两国人民友谊、开拓两国合作作出了重要贡献。李光耀先生的逝世，是新加坡人民的损失，也是国际社会的损失。

习近平强调，中方高度重视发展中新友好合作关系，愿同新方一道，坚持和发展两国传统友谊，以今年中新建交25周年为契机，巩固睦邻友好，深化互利合作，更好造福两国和两国人民。

President of the United States, Barack Obama

Yesterday evening President Obama spoke with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to express his and the First Lady’s condolences and the condolences of the American people on the death of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The President recognized founding Prime Minister Lee’s remarkable leadership and lasting contributions, not just to Singapore’s development, but also to the region’s dynamism. The President also conveyed his appreciation for founding Prime Minister Lee’s wise counsel and strong support for U.S.-Singapore relations.

Prime Minister of Australia,Tony Abbott

Tony Abbott – Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott signing the condolence book at the Singapore High Commission in Canberra on March 24, 2015.

Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Thongsing Thammavog

The demise of Mr Lee Kuan Yew caused the loss of an outstanding leader, a founder of modern prosperous Singapore who significantly contributed to the development of the country as well as the development of friendly ties and cooperation between Laos and Singapore, and among Asean countries.

On behalf of the government and Lao people and on my own behalf, I would like to share this moment of sadness and sympathy with the government and people of Singapore as well as with your family and friends of the late leader Lee Kuan Yew.

Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House after the visit, Mr Najib said that the late Mr Lee was a “great man whose leadership, vision, fortitude and perseverance helped shaped Singapore to what it is today: An advanced economy and finding its own place in the world”.

“All Singaporeans owe him a huge debt of gratitude,” he said.

“Mr Lee also was a man who helped shape Southeast Asia as a region of peace and prosperity. He will go down as a great man of history, whose vision and leadership helped make this world a better place.

“I’d like to thank him for strengthening bilateral ties between Malaysia and Singapore.”

See his video here

Qatar Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of condolences to President of the Republic of Singapore Tony Tan Keng Yam on the death of the former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Emir also sent his condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the death of the former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent cables of condolences to President of the Republic of Singapore Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the death of Lee Kuan Yew.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent similar cables to Singapore condoling the death of former premier.

Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom sent her condolences after the passing of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to both President Tony Tan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Her letter to Dr Tan:

“Prince Philip and I wish to express our sincere condolences to you and to the people of Singapore on the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Mr Lee’s achievements as Singapore’s first Prime Minister were fundamental to making Singapore what it is today, and his long and distinguished service to his country can only be admired. He had many friends around the world, and my country was foremost amongst them. Philip and I send our deepest sympathy to you and the people of Singapore.”

In a separate message to Prime Minister Lee:

“Prince Philip and I were saddened to hear of the death of your father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. His vision and dedication to the service of his country helped to make Singapore the successful country it is today. As Prime Minister he welcomed us to Singapore on two occasions, and we have fond memories of our visits and meetings with him elsewhere. Philip and I send you and your family our sincere condolences at this sad time.”

Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon

Mr Ban penned his condolence message to Mr Lee, saying: “I hope his vision will guide Singapore and all of us toward a better and brighter future for all.”

Thai dignitaries signing the condolence book at the Singapore Mission in Bangkok

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has commanded me to convey his sympathy and condolences on the demise of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore.” Chief, Private Secretary Office of HRH the Crown Prince of Thailand ACM Kasame Yoosooka, on 26 March. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has commanded me to convey his sympathy and condolences on the demise of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore.” Chief, Private Secretary Office of HRH the Crown Prince of Thailand ACM Kasame Yoosooka, on 26 March. He was the statesman, the legend and my true friend Without him, we don’t have Singapore.” President of the Privy Council Gen Prem Tinsulanonda on 26 March. He was the statesman, the legend and my true friend Without him, we don’t have Singapore.” President of the Privy Council Gen Prem Tinsulanonda on 26 March.

Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah

Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah signed the condolence book for the late Lee Kuan Yew at the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

He was received upon arrival by Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon.

“My deepest condolences to the family of Lee Kuan Yew and to the people of Singapore.

“Lee Kuan Yew was a leader of vision who founded and nurtured a country.

“The world had lost a great stateman,”

Vietnam Leaders signing the condolence book at the Singapore Residence in Hanoi

#### Vice-President of the United States, Joe Biden “One of my fondest and lasting memories was meeting with the prime minister in Singapore in 2014. We discussed the relative position and prospect of India, China, Russia and the United States – the breadth and depth of his understanding impressed me. My only regret was that I didn’t have a full week just to ask him questions regarding world affairs” “He spoke warmly of the friendship between our nations. He admired the virtues of America and the importance of the enduring US role in Asia Pacific. He made and had a profound impression on me. I’ll never forget, may he rest in peace.”