(Communicated by the Office of the President)

President Reuven Rivlin, on Friday afternoon (March 27), paid his respects at the lying in state of the late Lee Kuan Yew, founding father and the first Prime Minister of Singapore. The President arrived yesterday evening in Singapore in order to attend the state funeral of Lee Kuan Yew on Sunday. This is the first visit of an Israeli President to Singapore since that of President Herzog in 1986.
 
The President wrote in the official book of condolence, "'A good name is better than a good perfume' (Ecc. 7:1), for a good name will last forever. In memory of a leader whose deeds and legacy will be remembered always. A dear friend of Israel and the Jewish people."
 
Earlier, President Rivlin toured the border crossing between Singapore and Malaysia, which employs cutting edge technology in its daily operations. Around 300,000 visitors and tens of thousands of vehicles pass through the crossing daily. During his tour, the regional commanders showed the President a presentation on the daily activities aimed at promoting trade and security cooperation.
 
The President said, "The realization of miracles requires true tenacity. We as a people have experienced this very need in the realization of a vision, the establishment of the State of Israel, and we see you, the people of Singapore, as real partners in the realization of a vision, a miracle that became reality." The President added, "It is a great privilege for me to participate in the funeral of Lee Kuan Yew, and during my visit, I intend to do all in my power to strengthen ties, and to express our deep appreciation for all that you do, and continue to do for the State of Israel."