Prime Minister O’Neill Extends Papua New Guinea’s Condolences to Singapore
"It is with great sadness that we have received news overnight of the passing of Singapore's founding father, and Prime Minister for 30 years, Lee Kuan Yew," Prime Minister O'Neill said.
"On behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea, I wish to extend our condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his family.
"Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's political career is a study in triumph over adversity. As Prime Minister for thirty years, then as Senior Minister and Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew was an outstanding leader of the Asia-Pacific.
"Singapore is one of the world's true economic success stories, and much of the credit for that goes to the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. He transformed the economy of Singapore to deliver higher living standards for his people, and achieved long term GDP growth despite an absence of natural resources.
"The nation of Singapore is today a global financial hub and the high standing Singapore enjoys in international financial, business, tourism and trade is testament to his vision, and his leadership."
Prime Minister O'Neill said Lee Kuan Yew provided support and had a great deal of understanding of Papua New Guinea's development goals and aspirations in South-East Asia.
"Lee Kuan Yew was a good friend of Papua New Guinea, and was active in developing and strengthening not only an important bilateral relationship, but also laid the foundations for our engagement with the nations of South East Asia.
"As Prime Minister of Singapore during our first fifteen years of independence, and as members of the Group of 77 and other forums at the United Nations, Lee Kuan Yew understood the challenges faced by smaller developing nations.
"In Papua New Guinea we extend our sympathies, while also expressing our gratitude for the life of Lee Kuan Yew and the example he set for all developing nations."
"The people of Papua New Guinea, including my predecessors who knew Lee Kuan Yew well, join with me in mourning the passing of a world statesman," Mr O'Neill concluded
Lee Kuan Yew passed away at age 91, having served as Prime Minister of Singapore from 1959 until he stepped down in 1990. He further served as Senior Minister during the Prime Ministership of Goh Chok Tong, and as Minister Mentor when his son, Lee Hsien Loong, was elected Prime Minister, before retiring from government in 2011.
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