Singapore leaders condemn Istanbul bomb attack

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan have condemned the bomb attack at Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday (Jan 12).

In a letter to Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, PM Lee wrote: "Singapore strongly condemns this heinous attack which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

"Singapore stands in solidarity with Turkey against the global threat posed by terrorism.

"Our thoughts are with you and the Turkish people during this difficult time," he added.

Minister Balakrishnan, who wrote to the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu, called the attack a "senseless act of terror". He urged his Turkish counterpart to "remain resolute in fighting this terrorist threat".

President Tony Tan also wrote a letter of condolence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Singapore's leaders have also written to German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel and German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier to convey their condolences for the victims, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (Jan 13).

The terror attack at the popular tourist site, Sultanahmet Square, killed 10 tourists, most of them Germans, when the suicide bomber blew himself up.

No Singaporeans were injured in the incident. 

maryanns@sph.com.sg

Here are the letters:

Letter from President Tony Tan Keng Yam to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

13 January 2016

His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan President Republic of Turkey

Your Excellency,

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the bomb blast on 12 January 2016 at Sultanahmet Square, the historic heart of Istanbul. On behalf of the people of Singapore, I extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

Singapore condemns this act of terror which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives. We stand in solidarity with Turkey and its people during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

TONY TAN KENG YAM

Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu

13 January 2016

Dear Excellency,

I was shocked to hear of the bomb blast at Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul on 12 January 2016.

Singapore strongly condemns this heinous attack which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Singapore stands in solidarity with Turkey against the global threat posed by terrorism. Our thoughts are with you and the Turkish people during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

Letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu

13 January 2016

His Excellency Mevlut Cavusoglu Minister of Foreign Affairs Republic of Turkey

Dear Excellency,

I was shocked and saddened to learn of the bomb attack at Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul on 12 January 2016 which claimed innocent lives.

Singapore strongly condemns this senseless act of terror. We must remain resolute in fighting this terrorist threat.

Yours sincerely,

DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN

Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel

13 January 2016

Dear Chancellor Merkel,

On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the terror attack in Istanbul on 12 January 2016.

Singapore strongly condemns this reprehensible act of terror which led to many deaths and injuries among innocent tourists. It is a painful reminder of the danger that terrorism poses to the international community. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in fighting this terrorist threat.

I am confident that the German people will overcome this tragedy with resilience. Our thoughts are with you and your people during this difficult period.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

Letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier

13 January 2016

His Excellency Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Federal Republic of Germany

Dear Excellency,

I was shocked and saddened to learn of the terrorist attack in Istanbul on 12 January 2016 which claimed many German lives. Singapore strongly condemns this heinous attack.

I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with the German people during this difficult period.

Yours sincerely,

DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN