Lee Kuan Yew conferred Order of Honour by Russia's Putin

SINGAPORE - In conjunction with his 90th birthday, Former Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew was conferred the Order of Honour by President of the Russian Federation Mr Vladimir Putin on September 10 last year.

The Order of Honour was presented by His Excellency Mr Leonid Moiseev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Singapore, to Mr Lee at the Istana on Monday.

It was given to him "for his substantial contribution to strengthening friendship and cooperation with the Russian Federation and development of scientific and cultural relations".

The Order of Honour is awarded to Russian citizens for high achievements in the state, production, scientific research, sociocultural, public and charitable activities.

It is also awarded to foreigners for special accomplishments in development of bilateral relations with the Russian Federation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) says: "Singapore and Russia enjoy excellent relations underpinned by regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and through institutional linkages such as the Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) and the Russia-Singapore Business Forum (RSBF)".

Singapore will continue to forge closer cooperation with Russia for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples, it added.

ljessica@sph.com.sg