Dr Ng sends condolences to son of Lao's DPM

SINGAPORE - Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen has written a personal letter of condolence to Major Soulixay Phichit, son of the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Lieutenant-General Douangchay Phichit.

Lieutenant-General Douangchay Phichit and his wife Mrs Thanda Phichit both passed away in a tragic plane crash in Xieng Khouang province in Laos on May 17, 2014.

The following is Dr Ng's letter to Major Soulixay Phichit:

May 18, 2014

Dear MAJ Soulixay,

My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved parents, LG Douangchay Phichit and Mrs Thanda Phichit.

We had just met up with them a few weeks ago in Hawaii where the Defence Ministers gathered for the ASEAN-US Informal Defence Ministers' meeting.

We enjoyed their friendship and I admired your father's dedication and commitment to his responsibilities at the Lao Ministry of National Defence.

I am honoured to have worked with LG Douangchay as a fellow ASEAN Defence Minister. His passing is a great loss to Laos and the Lao Ministry of National Defence.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

DR NG ENG HEN