23 Jun 2008
President S R Nathan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to Philippines President Gloria Arroyo to express their sympathies over the devastation of central Philippines by Typhoon Frank over the weekend.
The text of the letters is attached.
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
23 JUNE 2008
Text of President S R Nathan's letter to Philippines President Gloria Arroyo
23 June 2008
HE Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
President
Republic of the Philippines
Excellency
I was deeply saddened to learn of the destruction and damage to property and loss of lives caused by the typhoon that swept through the central Philippines over the weekend. In particular, I was pained to learn of the sinking of a passenger ferry in the Visayas which resulted in the tragic loss of several hundred lives.
On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all your people who have lost kith and kin and suffered immense losses of their properties and livelihood from this disaster. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of them in this difficult time.
Yours sincerely
S R NATHAN
Text of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's letter to Philippines President Gloria Arroyo
23 June 2008
Dear President Arroyo
I was deeply saddened to learn of the extensive damage and loss of lives caused by Typhoon Frank, which swept through the central Philippines over the weekend, including the tragic news of the sinking of the passenger ferry in the Visayas. On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies, especially to the bereaved families.
We are confident that through your government's prompt rescue and relief efforts, the families and friends of the typhoon victims will find the courage and strength to overcome this tragedy. Our thoughts are with them in this moment of grief.
Yours sincerely
LEE HSIEN LOONG
HE Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
President
Republic of the Philippines