MFA Press Release: Condolence messages by President Nathan and Prime Minister Lee on the New Zealand mining accident

President S R Nathan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have sent condolence messages to their New Zealand counterparts on the New Zealand mining accident.

Text of President's letter

24 November 2010

His Excellency The Right Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand
Governor-General of New Zealand

Dear Sir Anand

I read with a heavy heart the news that the miners in the Upper Pike River Coal mine in Greymouth had perished following the explosions that occurred on 19 and 24 November 2010. Please accept my deepest condolences and sympathies for the tragic loss of lives. My thoughts are with you, the people of New Zealand and the families of the miners during this period of mourning.

Yours Sincerely

S R NATHAN
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Text of PM's letter

24 November 2010

Dear Prime Minister Key

I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of lives resulting from a gas explosion at the Upper Pike River Coal mine in Greymouth on 19 November 2010. I had visited Greymouth on holiday with my family in 1999, and experienced first hand the hospitality and warmth of the people. Hence when I read the news of the disaster, it was with a sharp personal sense of shock, as well as sympathy and concern for the miners and their families.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Singapore, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased miners. Our thoughts are with the people of New Zealand during this period of grief and distress.

Yours Sincerely

Lee Hsien Loong

The Right Honourable John Key MP
Prime Minister
New Zealand
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