Singapore leaders send condolences over Russia plane crash

SINGAPORE - President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam have expressed their condolences following the crash of Tatarstan Airlines flight U363 on November 17.

In a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dr Tan said he "was saddened to learn of the tragic plane crash in Kazan, which claimed the lives of the passengers and crew on board."

"On behalf of the people of Singapore, I extend my deepest condolences to you and your people. Our prayers are with the families of the victims," he wrote.

PM Lee wrote to his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev offering his "deepest condolences" on the behalf of the Government of Singapore.

"I hope the families of the victims will be able to move forward from this tragedy. Our thoughts are with you and your people during this period of mourning," he wrote.

Mr Tharman also wrote to Tatarstan's President Rustam Minnikhanov, saying he "was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic airline crash."

He said he was especially grieved to learn that President Minnikhanov's son, Irek Minnikhanov, was one of the victims.

"Please accept my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to you and your family, the families of those who perished and the people of the Republic of Tatarstan. I wish you fortitude and strength during this time of immense grief," he wrote.

yamadak@sph.com.sg