MFA Press Statement: Condolence Letters from Singapore Leaders on the Explosion at St Mark's Coptic Cathedral Complex in Cairo, Egypt on 11 December 2016

        President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail respectively, to convey their condolences on the bomb attack at St Mark’s Coptic Cathedral complex in Cairo on 11 December 2016.

          The texts of the letters are appended.

.    .    .    .    .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

14 DECEMBER 2016

-

Letter from President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi

13 December 2016

His Excellency Abdel Fattah Al Sisi

President

Arab Republic of Egypt

Your Excellency,

I was shocked to learn of the bomb attack at St Mark’s Coptic Cathedral Complex on 11 December 2016 which led to the loss of innocent lives and injuries to many others.  On behalf of the people of Singapore, I express our deepest condolences to Your Excellency and the families of the victims. I wish those injured a speedy recovery.

Singapore strongly condemns the bomb attack, and stands in solidarity with Egypt against all forms of extremism and terrorism.  Such cowardly acts of terror aim to weaken the fabric of inter-religious harmony and tolerance in Egypt.  We should not let the perpetrators achieve this aim.  I am confident that the people of Egypt will stand united during this difficult time. 

Yours sincerely,

TONY TAN KENG YAM

Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail

14 December 2016

Dear Prime Minister Sherif Ismail,

                   I was appalled to learn of the bomb attack at St Mark’s Coptic Cathedral Complex on 11 December 2016.  We join you in mourning those killed and in wishing those injured a swift recovery.

                   The targeting of civilians in a house of worship is a vicious act aimed at creating divisions within Egypt’s society.  However, the Egyptian nation is resilient, and we are confident that inter-religious tolerance and harmony will prevail.  Singapore stands with Egypt against all forms of terrorism.

                   On behalf of the Singapore Government, I would like to convey our deepest condolences and sympathies.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Excellency Sherif Ismail

Prime Minister

Arab Republic of Egypt