22 February 2011
His Excellency The Right Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand
Governor-General of New Zealand
Dear Sir Anand
I was greatly distressed to learn of yet another earthquake in Christchurch that caused the heavy loss of lives and extensive damage. Please accept my deepest sympathies, and that of the people of Singapore. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of New Zealand.
Singapore is glad that we can be of assistance to a close friend during this difficult time. I hope that the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) from the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the company of soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces can make a useful contribution to the relief efforts in Christchurch.
Given the resilience of its people, I have no doubt that New Zealand will overcome this tragedy.
Yours sincerely
S R NATHAN
___________________________________________________________________
22 February 2011
Dear Prime Minister Key
I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Christchurch today. On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I extend our deepest condolences.
Singapore would like to be of assistance to New Zealand. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean has been in touch with Defence Minister Wayne Mapp to offer whatever help will be useful to New Zealand. A company of soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces who were on a bilateral exercise with the NZDF near Christchurch is now assisting in the relief efforts. We are also despatching a 55-man DART team from the Singapore Civil Defence Force within the next 12 hours. We hope, in some small way, to be of assistance to you and the people of Christchurch during this moment of crisis.
I am confident that under your able and steadfast leadership, New Zealand will emerge from this tragedy with renewed vigour and undiminished spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and the people of Christchurch at this time.
Yours sincerely
LEE HSIEN LOONG
The Right Honourable John Key MP
Prime Minister
New Zealand