MFA Press Release: Letter from President S R Nathan to Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce and letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on the Victoria bush fires, 9 February 2009

MFA Press Release: Letter from President S R Nathan to Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce and letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on the Victoria bush fires, 9 February 2009
President S R Nathan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written condolence letters to Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd respectively regarding the Victoria bush fires. The texts of the letters are below:

President S R Nathan's letter to Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce:

Your Excellency,

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the heavy toll on human lives and the severe devastation caused to large areas and the communities and homes in Victoria by the fires that raged over the weekend.

From watching the horrific television footage of the ferocious fires, Singaporeans share in the pain and suffering endured by many Australians. On behalf of the people and Government of Singapore, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and bereaved families. To those who have been injured, we wish them a speedy recovery. To those who have lost their homes, it is our hope that they will find comfort and return to normal life before long. Our thoughts are with the Australian people during these unexpectedly difficult times.

I am fully confident that the people affected will overcome it with the characteristic Australian fortitude and with the ongoing tireless effort of your Government to help those afflicted.

S R NATHAN

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's letter to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd:

9 February 2009

Dear Kevin,

I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of many lives and the extensive damage to homes and communities caused by the bush fires in Victoria. On behalf of the people and Government of Singapore, I would like to extend our sympathies to the people of Australia who are affected by the fires and our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

If it would be helpful to your efforts, Singapore can offer the use of our Super Puma helicopters currently stationed in Oakey for your relief efforts. We are also ready to help in any other way that we can.

Under your able leadership and given the resilience of the Australian people, I have no doubt that Australia and the people of Victoria will overcome this difficult challenge. Our thoughts are with you and the Australian people.

Yours Sincerely

LEE HSIEN LOONG

The Honourable Kevin Rudd MP
Prime Minister
Australia