MFA Press Statement: Condolence letters from Singapore leaders on the attacks on the Coptic Churches in Tanta and Alexandria, Egypt, 10 April 2017

            President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and Egypt Prime Minister Sherif Ismail respectively to offer their condolences over the attacks on the Coptic churches in Tanta and Alexandria, Egypt on 9 April 2017.

            The text of the two letters are appended.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

10 APRIL 2017

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Letter from President Tony Tan Keng Yam to President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Abdel Fattah Al Sisi

10 April 2017

His Excellency Abdel Fattah Al Sisi

President

Arab Republic of Egypt

Your Excellency,

            I was appalled by the attacks on the Mar Girgis Church in Tanta and the St. Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria on Sunday, 9 April 2017, which led to numerous deaths and injuries.  On behalf of the people of Singapore, I express my heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency and the families of the victims, and wish those injured a speedy recovery. 

            Singapore strongly condemns the heinous attacks.  We stand in solidarity with Egypt and her people in the fight against the scourge of terrorism.  I am confident that under your leadership, the Egyptian people will remain united against all attempts to sow hatred and division.

            Our thoughts and prayers are with Egypt and its people during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

TONY TAN KENG YAM

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Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Sherif Ismail

10 April 2017

Dear Prime Minister,

            I was shocked by the deadly bomb attacks on the Mar Girgis Church in Tanta and the St. Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria on Sunday, 9 April 2017.

            Singapore strongly condemns such reprehensible acts against civilians at places of worship aimed to sow division and foment hatred.  Egypt has long stood firm and united against terror and violence.  I am confident that Egypt and her people will overcome the latest attacks, and that Egyptian society will remain strong and cohesive.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Excellency Sherif Ismail

Prime Minister

Arab Republic of Egypt