MFA Press Statement: Passing of Jean-Luc Dehaene, Former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, 20 May 2014

                   Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has conveyed a letter to His Excellency Mr Elio Di Rupo, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, to express his condolences following the passing of former Belgian PM Jean-Luc Dehaene on 15 May 2014, while Emeritus Senior Minister (SM) Goh Chok Tong has sent a condolence message to Mrs Celia Dehaene. The messages are enclosed.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

20 MAY 2014

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19 May 2014

Dear Prime Minister Di Rupo,

                   On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Mr Jean-Luc Dehaene.

                   Mr Dehaene made important contributions to Belgium and to Europe. As Prime Minister of Belgium, he pushed through crucial social, constitutional and economic reforms to transform Belgium and improve its peoples’ lives. Mr Dehaene also played a key role in drafting the EU’s constitutional treaty, and served with distinction as a Member of the European Parliament.

                   Mr Dehaene was a friend of Singapore. He was the first Belgian Prime Minister to visit our country, and helped to strengthen our bilateral ties during his time in office.

                   Our thoughts are with his family and the people of Belgium during this time of mourning.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

HE Mr Elio Di Rupo

Prime Minister

Kingdom of Belgium

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19 May 2014

Mrs Celie Dehaene

Kingdom of Belgium

Dear Mrs Dehaene

I was saddened to learn of the passing of your husband, Mr Jean-Luc Dehaene.

I had the privilege of meeting Mr Dehaene on several occasions when I was Prime Minister, in and outside Belgium.  I especially 

appreciated the warm hospitality shown by both of you during my visit to Belgium in 1996.

                   Mr Dehaene contributed tirelessly to Belgium and to Europe.  He was a friend of Singapore and helped to enhance relations between our two countries. 

                   I offer my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

GOH CHOK TONG