MFA Press Release: Condolence letters from President S R Nathan, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on the passing of former Korean President Kim Dae-jung

President S R Nathan has written to President Lee Myung-bak to convey Singapore's deepest condolences to the people of Korea on the passing of former Korean President Kim Dae-jung.

President S R Nathan, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew have also written to former President Kim's wife Mdm Lee Hee-Ho to express their deepest condolences.

The text of the letters are appended below.

PRESIDENT S R NATHAN TO PRESIDENT LEE MYUNG-BAK

19 August 2009
HE Lee Myung-bak
President
Republic of Korea

Dear President Lee

I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former President Kim Dae-jung.

Mr Kim Dae-jung was a great leader, who also made various contributions towards the Republic of Korea's efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, including and developing even closer ties with Singapore and ASEAN. By example of his leadership, he led not only Korea but also other Asian countries in their efforts to emerge stronger from the 1997 Financial Crisis through domestic reforms, freer trade and investment.

His idealism was infectious because he was inspiring. He sought a better world not only for all Koreans, but also all Asians. His departure is thus a great loss for all of us in Asia as well.
Please accept my deepest condolences to you and the people of Korea on the passing away of one of the Republic of Korea's most illustrious sons.

With deepest sympathy.

S R NATHAN

PRESIDENT S R NATHAN TO MRS KIM
19 August 2009

Mdm Lee Hee-Ho
Former First-Lady
Republic of Korea

Dear Mdm Lee

I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of your beloved husband, Mr Kim Dae-jung.

Former President Kim was a distinguished statesman. He was an idealistic and courageous leader who overcame countless challenges. He was tireless in his pursuit of democracy. His decisive leadership enabled Korea to quickly recover from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. His economic reforms which opened up the Korean economy also laid the foundation for subsequent growth and development. He will also be remembered for his historic visits to Tokyo and Pyongyang, which contributed to lessening of tensions and closer ties among the countries of Northeast Asia. President Kim also sought closer relations with ASEAN, which formed an important part of his East Asian community. His lasting contributions, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, will always be remembered by all who cherish the value of freedom and independence.

Your husband was a dear colleague of mine and a good friend of Singapore. As President, Mr Kim Dae-jung paid a State Visit to Singapore and hosted my visit in 2002. I am honoured to have worked with him to foster closer ties between Singapore and Korea.

Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.

With deepest sympathy.

S R NATHAN

SENIOR MINISTER GOH CHOK TONG TO MRS KIM
19 August 2009
Mdm Lee Hee-Ho
Former First-Lady
Republic of Korea

Dear Former First Lady

It is with a heavy heart that I am sending you this letter. I have met your husband many times, most recently at his residence in October 2008. As usual, we had a frank and deep exchange of views on international affairs. I could see that he was in frail health and am saddened by his demise.

Kim Dae-jung will be remembered as a statesman and a visionary. Rising above nationalism, he strove to build an East Asian community by strengthening relations with China, placing ties with Japan on a new footing, bridging the divide on the Korean Peninsula, and reaching out to ASEAN. Under his bold and decisive leadership, Korea quickly recovered from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. His internationalist approach enabled the Korean economy to grow and develop further in subsequent years. Kim Dae-jung was a courageous man who risked his life in the pursuit of his democratic and humanitarian ideals. He made many personal sacrifices for his country.

It was an honour to have worked with President Kim Dae-jung when I was Prime Minister of Singapore. I remember him not just as a leader and statesman but also as a friend.

Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Yours sincerely

GOH CHOK TONG

MINISTER MENTOR LEE KUAN YEW TO MRS KIM
19 August 2009
Dear Mdm Lee Hee-Ho

I learnt of the demise of your beloved husband Mr Kim Dae-jung with deep regret and a heavy heart.

Former President Kim Dae-jung contributed not only to Korea's development but also to closer regional cooperation. He was a practical and successful leader, having sought to settle the war past with Japan and end the divide on the Korean Peninsula. He was a great believer in liberal democracy and the free market, and in the ability of people to choose good over evil and harmony over conflict. History would honour him for the significant contributions to his country, region and the world.

Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.

With deepest sympathy,

Yours sincerely

LEE KUAN YEW

Mdm Lee Hee-Ho
Former First-Lady
Republic of Korea