Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam signs the condolence book on the passing of the 41st President of the United States of America George H W Bush, 6 December 2018.

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam signs the condolence book on the passing of the 41st President of the United States of America George H W Bush, 6 December 2018.

[Photo credit: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS]

The text of the condolence message is appended.

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Condolence message

On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I extend my sincerest condolences to the Government and people of the United States on the passing of President George H. W. Bush.

Countries around the world, including Singapore, benefitted from President Bush’s steadfast leadership. His calm resolve and decisive actions to reverse the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait in 1990 showed the world how America led the way in the pursuit of justice and peace. Domestically, President Bush’s landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 also demonstrated how a genuine empathy for people and deep conviction can drive powerful, positive change in society.

President Bush was a good friend of Singapore, and knew several of our leaders well. The 1990 MOU that underpins our current defence relations was signed during his Presidency. In 1992, he was the first United States President to make a State Visit to Singapore, marking an important milestone in the relationship. Today’s strong Singapore-United States relations were in many ways built on President Bush’s contributions to our bilateral ties.

President Bush’s dedication to his country and people will continue to inspire generations to come – not just in the United States, but in Singapore and the rest of the world. Our thoughts are with the Bush family and the people of the United States at this time of sorrow.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Deputy Prime Minister, SINGAPORE