MFA Press Statement: Passing of Cambodian King-Father His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk

The Singapore Government is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cambodian King-Father His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk. The Singapore Government conveys its condolences to the Royal Family, the Government and the people of Cambodia.

His Majesty was a remarkable man who dedicated his life to the betterment of Cambodia and the Cambodian people. He will be remembered and respected, both in Cambodia and internationally, for tirelessly guiding Cambodia towards a path of reconciliation and prosperity. It was His Majesty’s leadership that laid the foundation for the close and enduring friendship that the Kingdom of Cambodia and Singapore share today.

Attached are the texts of the condolence letters from President Tony Tan Keng Yam to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Prime Minister Hun Sen, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
15 OCTOBER 2012
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Condolence Letter from President Tony Tan Keng Yam

15 October 2012

His Majesty
King Norodom Sihamoni
Kingdom of Cambodia

Your Majesty,

On behalf of the people of the Republic of Singapore, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and members of Your Majesty’s family on the passing of His Majesty King-Father Norodom Sihanouk.

His Majesty King-Father Sihanouk was a highly respected international statesman who loved his country and people. Under His Majesty’s able leadership, Cambodia became independent in 1953 and was the role model of development for the region through the 1960s. His Majesty was the symbol of hope for the country during the civil war, and guided the people through those difficult years with courage and tenacity.

The Kingdom has lost a father who devoted his life in service to the Kingdom and its people. Singapore is grateful to His Majesty King-Father Sihanouk for being among the earliest to support our Independence and tirelessly promoting close relations between our two countries. His Majesty’s generous friendship and lasting contributions to our strong bilateral ties will always be remembered.

Please accept Your Majesty our deepest condolences for your loss.

TONY TAN KENG YAM
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Condolence Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

15 October 2012

Dear Samdech Hun Sen

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Majesty King-Father Norodom Sihanouk. On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences to you and your people for your loss.

His Majesty was a compassionate statesman who strived tirelessly to bring peace and prosperity to the people of Cambodia. His Majesty’s wisdom and devotion was an enduring source of strength and comfort for the Cambodian people.

Singapore will never forget the crucial role His Majesty played in fostering the enduring friendship between our two countries. Cambodia has always been a close friend of Singapore, and we remember with gratitude that Cambodia was one of the first countries to recognise our new Republic when Singa¬pore became independent in 1965.

Our thoughts are with you and the people of Cambodia during this period of mourning.

Yours sincerely

LEE HSIEN LOONG

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen
Prime Minister
Kingdom of Cambodia
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Condolence Letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam

15 October 2012

His Excellency Hor Namhong
Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Kingdom of Cambodia

Your Excellency Deputy Prime Minister

I was saddened to learn of the passing of His Majesty King-Father Norodom Sihanouk.

His Majesty was a great blessing to the people of Cambodia. He played a decisive role in laying the foundations of modern Cambodia, and putting the country on its path to progress and prosperity. His Majesty’s strength and wise leadership will be remembered by many all around the world.

My thoughts are with you and the people of Cambodia during this period of mourning.

Yours sincerely

K SHANMUGAM