Condolence Letter on Passing of Former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt

Chancellor Merkel,

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.  

Mr Schmidt was a visionary leader and a close friend of Singapore.  He had a strategic view of the world, and was a strong supporter of closer relations between our two countries. Mr Schmidt was also for many years a close personal friend of our former Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew.  In May 2012, in extreme old age, Mr Schmidt travelled to Singapore to visit Mr Lee for a final time. They spent three days discussing world politics. It was, as always, a meeting of minds. Clear-headed and tough-minded, Mr Schmidt found common ground with Mr Lee on many key issues. We were privileged to have that last conversation published in a book by Mr Lee a year later.  

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany as you mourn the loss of one of Germany’s great leaders.

Yours sincerely

LEE HSIEN LOONG

Her Excellency Dr Angela Merkel 
Chancellor
Federal Republic of Germany