MFA Press Statement: Singaporean Leaders Convey Condolences Following the Destruction in Vietnam by Typhoon Ketsana

President S R Nathan and PM Lee Hsien Loong have written to Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet and PM Nguyen Tan Dung respectively to express heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the people and Government of Singapore for the loss of life and destruction caused by Typhoon Ketsana. (Text of their letters are appended below.)

(Text of President's letter to Vietnam President Nguyen Minh Triet)

2 October 2009

His Excellency Nguyen Minh Triet
President
Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Excellency,

On behalf of the people of the Republic of Singapore, I would like to express my sincere condolences to all those who have suffered because of the devastation wrought by Tropical Storm Ketsana in central Vietnam. I was deeply grieved by media reports on the extensive damage caused by the storm. The rebuilding process will be long and challenging but I am confident that under your able leadership, the Vietnamese people will be able to overcome this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

S R Nathan

(Text of PM's letter to Vietnam PM Nguyen Tan Dung)

2 October 2009

Dear Prime Minister Dung,

On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Singapore, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims of Tropical Storm Ketsana, which has left many areas in central Vietnam devastated. Our thoughts are with all those who are suffering now as well as those who have lost their loved ones.

I am confident that under your able leadership, Vietnam and its people will be able to surmount this difficult period.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Excellency Nguyen Tan Dung
Prime Minister
Socialist Republic of Vietnam