Press Statements
Condolence Letters from Singapore Leaders on the Passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said
Country
Oman
13 January 2020
President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said of the Sultanate of Oman, to convey their condolences on the passing of His Ma...
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President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said of the Sultanate of Oman, to convey their condolences on the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has also written to Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah.
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and concurrently Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Masagos Zulkifli, will visit Muscat on 13 January 2020 to offer condolences on behalf of the Singapore Government.
The text of the letters is appended.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
13 JANUARY 2019
Condolence Letter from President Halimah Yacob to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said of the Sultanate of Oman
11 January 2020
His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said
Sultanate of Oman
Your Majesty,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said. On behalf of the people of Singapore, I convey my deepest condolences.
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was a remarkable and wise leader who laid the foundations for modern Oman. He took on the reins of leadership at a time when Oman faced tremendous challenges to its unity. Undaunted by these difficulties, he forged a cohesive nation that has since become a bastion of stability in an often-tumultuous region. Under his long reign, Oman enjoyed unprecedented growth, peace and development. Oman’s transformation across all sectors is a testament to his far-sighted vision and strong leadership. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos will always be remembered for his foresight, as well as unwavering dedication and care for his people.
Under His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ leadership, Oman has been a trusted peace-maker and bridge-builder. Leading by example, he truly personified the country’s foreign policy of being friends with all. Singapore is honoured by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ unwavering support for our bilateral relationship. Singapore is particularly grateful for his generous gift of the Omani dhow, “The Jewel of Muscat”, to symbolize the friendship and renewal of historical ties between our two countries. The vessel will forever stand as a tangible symbol of the enduring relations between Singapore and Oman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Your Majesty and all Omanis during this period of mourning.
Yours Sincerely,
HALIMAH YACOB
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Condolence Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said of the Sultanate of Oman
11 January 2020
Your Majesty,
I am saddened to learn of the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said.
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos will be remembered as the architect of Oman’s development. The Oman that we see today – prosperous, tranquil, and a beacon of moderation – was by no means a given when His Majesty became Oman’s leader in 1970. There were very real challenges then, both internal and external. But he brought peace and stability through great foresight and meticulous planning. He cared deeply for his people, and his dedication to the welfare of Oman and its citizens was evident in all that he did.
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was also a respected statesman whose counsel was valued and sought after by other world leaders. In the midst of turmoil in Oman’s neighbourhood, he stood out for being a voice of wisdom and reason. He always gave diplomacy a chance, and never missed an opportunity build bridges and strengthen relationships. Singapore too has benefited from his gracious and generous friendship, as exemplified through the gift of the Omani dhow, the “Jewel of Muscat”. This precious gift by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is now the centrepiece of our Maritime Experiential Museum. It serves as a lasting reminder that while our shores may be distant, trade, culture and history bind us together.
On behalf of the Government of Singapore, please accept my deepest condolences to Your Majesty and the people of Oman during this period of grief.
Yours sincerely,
LEE HSIEN LOONG
His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said
Sultanate of Oman
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Condolence Letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman His Excellency Yusuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah
11 January 2020
His Excellency Yusuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah
Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs
Sultanate of Oman
Your Excellency,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said.
His Majesty was a well-regarded and respected elder statesman. Under His Majesty’s wise leadership, Oman has been an oasis of peace and stability amidst a highly volatile region. He set the tone for what would become Oman’s unique brand of quiet diplomacy. The emphasis on balance and neutrality, while safeguarding Oman’s territorial integrity and independence, will be his lasting legacy. It is a testament to His Majesty’s vision and foresight that Oman has earned the trust of many countries for being a reliable and non-partisan mediator. This has contributed immensely to regional and world peace. Yet, His Majesty was always humble and never sought the limelight for himself.
Singapore has been fortunate to count His Majesty as a firm friend. His Majesty had helped to lay a strong foundation for the Singapore-Oman relationship. With His Majesty’s support, our historical ties were revitalised and have further deepened in recent years. The generosity and legacy of His Majesty will be remembered through iconic initiatives such as “The Jewel of Muscat” and the redevelopment of Muscat Street. These will always have pride of place in Singapore.
His Majesty was well-loved at home and deeply respected abroad. Singapore joins Oman in mourning this great loss.
Yours sincerely,
DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN
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