SINGAPORE: Leaders from Europe and Asia have written to Singapore's former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on the occasion of his 90th birthday on Monday.
Writing to Mr Lee, Queen Elizabeth II noted that his life has been inextricably interwoven with the history and development of Singapore. The queen noted that this year also marked the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence from the UK and she is delighted that the links between both countries remain so strong.
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her message, said that for over 50 years, Mr Lee has been a decisive figure helping to shape Singapore's destiny and leading the country to peace and prosperity.
She added that Mr Lee's prudent policy making has also helped ASEAN become a force for reconciliation and stability in Asia.
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| Lee Kuan Yew First Prime Minister Republic of Singapore |
Ms Merkel said Singapore will remain a key partner for Germany in Asia.
China's former Vice Premier, Li Lanqing wrote of Mr Lee's efforts in forging the friendship between China and Singapore. Mr Li also wished him good health, longevity and happiness.
Also conveying their best wishes to Mr Lee were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.
President Putin said the modern history of Singapore is marked by great successes in economic, social, scientific and technological development and these achievements are closely linked with Mr Lee.
He said Mr Lee has commanded worldwide prestige in international, political and business circles.
Mr Putin also highlighted Mr Lee's personal contribution to Singapore-Russia ties and said he is confident they will be further strengthened in future.
Vietnam's Premier Nguyen Tan Dung commended Mr Lee's contributions in making Singapore a miracle of the region and the world.
He thanked Mr Lee for his valuable recommendations for Vietnam in the reform process and the promotion of close relations between both countries.
And in China, several artists from Beijing and Wuhan have created a stone sculpture art piece to be sent to Mr Lee.
Channel NewsAsia had also several world leaders share their thoughts on the occasion of Mr Lee's 90th birthday.
Channel NewsAsia had also several world leaders share their thoughts on the occasion of Mr Lee's 90th birthday.
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos said Mr Lee "has already established himself as a role model, as a leader of a small but I would say very influential developing country into what it is now, it is one of the so-called top-shear level countries in the world today. Singapore has become not only very rich but also has been able to preserve admirable national cohesion despite the diversity of the ethnic origins and cultures within Singapore."
In a recorded message, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called Mr Lee a visionary and one of the greatest living statesmen of the world, who transformed Singapore and the way the world looks at Asia today.
Dr Singh said he has always benefited from the deep insight and inspiration of Mr Lee in taking forward India's relations with Singapore and ASEAN.
He added that it was because of Mr Lee's vision that Singapore became an intellectual, political and economic gateway for India to the dynamic Southeast and East Asian region.
