Re: This man helped turn China into an economic power
“Who is this ridiculous man who wastes my time? Running Singapore is like running Marseilles. I am running a whole country!”
- Former French President Francois Mitterand on Singapore's Supreme Leader Lee Kuan Yew who tried to give him a "lecture" on how to govern France during the duo's meeting in the 1990s.
[h=1]France has lost a friend: President Hollande on Mr Lee Kuan Yew[/h]
[h=2]French President Francois Hollande, Minister for Foreign Affairs Laurent Fabius and French Ambassador to Singapore Benjamin Debertret pay tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew.[/h]
French President Francois Hollande (REUTERS/Etienne Laurent/Pool)
SINGAPORE: French President Francois Hollande offered his condolences on Monday (Mar 23) after the death of Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
"The President of the French Republic has learnt with great sadness of the demise of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, first Head of Government of Singapore. He honors the memory of this visionary statesman, who was able to guide the remarkable development of Singapore since its independence in 1965," he said.
"As Singapore and France mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year, France has lost a friend who had strived to draw our two nations closer and deepen our cooperation in all fields.
"In these moments of mourning of the entire nation, the Head of State addresses his sincere condolences to the loved ones of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and to the people of Singapore."
French Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius spoke in a separate statement of his "deep sadness" upon learning of the passing of Mr Lee.
"Exceptional statesman, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, has shaped the history of his country since its independence in 1965. Strategist of economic and social development of his country, he has made Singapore one of the largest economic hubs in Asia," said Mr Fabius.
"As Singapore and France mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year, I honor the memory of a visionary leader and a friend of France."
The French Ambassador to Singapore Benjamin Dubertret also sent his condolences and paid tribute to Mr Lee.
"While Singapore and France marks the 50th anniversary this year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations, we honor the memory of this visionary statesman who was able to guide the remarkable development of Singapore since the founding of the Republic in 1965," said Mr Dubertret.
"Lee Kuan Yew has not ceased to work, throughout his life and his political career, for the accomplishment of a law-abiding state and an open global market economy. His efforts have transformed the lives of generations of Singaporeans and enabled Singapore to rise to the ranks of the most modern and developed countries in the world.
"In these difficult moments of mourning of the entire nation, we join the countless voices around the world to express our deepest emotions on his demise and reiterate our most sincere condolences to the Prime Minister, to family members of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and to the people of Singapore."
A condolence book will be open at the French Embassy from 12.30pm to 2pm until Friday (Mar 27) for anyone who wishes to express their condolences.
