Timor-Leste offers condolences for Lee Kuan Yew

Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

 Díli, March 23, 2015

Timor-Leste offers condolences for Lee Kuan Yew

It was with deep regret that the Government of Timor-Leste received news of the passing of His Excellency Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, on Monday 23 March 2015.

Lee Kuan Yew was the Prime Minister of the city-state for 31 years, overseeing its transformation from a small port city to a modern international commercial hub. Mr. Lee only recently resigned from his duties as a Member of Parliament. His vision and drive for Singapore truly changed the nation.

The Government conveys its condolences particularly to the family and friends of Mr. Lee. His eldest son Mr. H.E. Lee Hsien Loong is the Prime Minister of Singapore.

In an official letter to the Honourable Lee Hsien Loong, Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo said:

“The miracle of Singapore provides many developing countries with a model of progress and a symbol of hope and possibility. Timor-Leste is one of many nations that look to Singapore with admiration and as an example of what can be achieved through hard work, unrelenting focus and a dedicated commitment to State building. This will remain an important legacy of His Excellency.”

Under the leadership of His Excellency Lee Kuan Yew strong bonds of friendship were established between Timor-Leste and Singapore. Programs of cooperation between the two countries have focused on training and capacity building, particularly for the Timorese Civil Service.

Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste, Minister of State Agio Pereira noted “With the passing of Lee Kuan Yew we see the passing of a political giant whose personal conviction catalyzed a transition that lifted his people out of poverty, transforming his country and forever changing the region”.

url: http://timor-leste.gov.tl?lang=en&p=11458