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SINGAPORE: President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to Bahrain leaders to express their condolences on the passing of Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the world’s longest-serving prime minister.
Prince Khalifa, 84, died on Wednesday (November 11) in a United States hospital.
King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa’s uncle, he had served as Prime Minister since independence from Great Britain in 1971.
In her letter to the king dated November 13, Mdm Halimah said she was saddened to learn of Prince Khalifa’s passing.
Mdm Halimah, who called him “a committed statesman who dedicated his life to serving Bahrain,” said he played an integral role in modernizing Bahrain and its economy.
“He was a good friend of Singapore and warmly welcomed many of Singapore’s leaders during their visits to Bahrain. We are honored to receive His Royal Highness’s visits to Singapore in 1976 and 2003,” he added.
“His Royal Highness shared the view that small states like Singapore and Bahrain should work closely together for mutual benefit.”
Writing to Bahrain’s new Prime Minister, Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Mr. Lee said that he extends his deepest condolences on behalf of the Singapore government.
“During His Royal Highness’s long tenure as Bahrain’s first prime minister, he made significant contributions to the development and modernization of the country,” he said.
Singapore appreciated their warm hospitality in hosting various Singaporean leaders, including the late President SR Nathan, the late Minister Mentor Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and the Chief Minister Emeritus Mr. Goh Chok Tong, during their visits to Manama.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with His Royal Highness and the people of Bahrain during this time of mourning.”
