Singaporean leaders express condolences following the death of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang

SINGAPORE: Singaporean leaders have expressed their condolences following the death of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, who died on Friday, September 21st at the age of 61, following a serious illness.

President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Minister of National Security Teo Chee Hean wrote letters of condolence following the death of the Vietnamese leader.

In his letter to Vietnam's acting president, Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, Mdm Halimah expressed "sincere condolences" on behalf of Singaporeans and stressed Mr. Quang's "key role" in promoting rapid development and reputation world of Vietnam.

Addressing Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Lee said Quang encouraged countries to "continue to pursue economic integration and trade liberalization" in a context of rising sentiment protectionists worldwide.

"In particular, President Quang successfully led Vietnam through his presidency of APEC in 2017," he said. "I also remember the warm hospitality that President Quang bestowed during the meeting of APEC Economic Leaders in Danang last November."

"With the support of President Quang, the strategic partnership between Singapore and Vietnam continues to deepen and our two countries remain close partners in the region and international forums," he added. "President Quang will be missed."

Calling Mr. Quang "a true friend of Singapore", Mr. Teo wrote in his letter to Mr. Quang's wife, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien, that he had met Mr. Quang many times and remembered "with a lot of "affection" of his visit to his hometown.

"I share Vietnam's sorrow after the loss of a great leader," he said. "The camaraderie and friendship I shared with President Quang will be missed."

Meanwhile, Dr. Balakrishnan wrote to Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pham Binh Minh, expressing his condolences, stressing that "the long-standing commitment of the public service" had contributed to "improve the life of the Vietnamese people".