Statement by Foreign Secretary on the death of Lee Kuan Yew

The Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond said:

I am deeply saddened by the death of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister.

Mr Lee fashioned the Singapore and Asian region that we know today. Internationally, Lee Kuan Yew was a leading global statesman of his era, a co-founder of ASEAN and driver of Asia’s rise. Singapore and the UK have a long and deep friendship. He will be sorely missed.

My thoughts are with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his family, and the people of Singapore at this sad time.