SINGAPORE - Singapore has strongly condemned the "heinous attack" at the Quebec City Islamic Cultural Center on Sunday (Jan 29) during evening prayers, which resulted in six deaths.
In a statement on Monday afternoon (Singapore time), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said "there can be no justification for an attack on a sacred place of worship".
"We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families," it added.
President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have also written to the Governor General of Canada His Excellency the Right Honourable David Lloyd Johnston and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau respectively to convey their condolences.
MFA has contacted the four registered Singaporeans in Quebec and established that they are safe. It has also not received any reports of Singaporeans directly affected or injured by the incident.
Two suspects have since been arrested following the attack, which Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called a "terrorist attack on Muslims".
MFA also advised Singaporeans in Canada to exercise vigilance and take the necessary precautions for their safety.
"They should monitor the local news and follow the instructions of the Canadian authorities. They are also advised to keep in touch with their family and friends so that they know you are safe," MFA said.
Singaporeans who require consular assistance are advised to contact the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at:
Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855 (24-hour hotline)
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
Letter from President Tony Tan Keng Yam to Governor General of Canada His Excellency the Right Honourable David Lloyd Johnston:
30 January 2017
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Lloyd Johnston
Governor General and Commander-in-Chief
Canada
Your Excellency,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the attack at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City on 29 January 2017. On behalf of the people of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims.
Singapore strongly condemns the shooting which took place at a sacred place of worship during prayers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Canadian people during this challenging period.
Yours sincerely,
TONY TAN KENG YAM
Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
30 January 2017
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,
I was shocked by the deadly shooting at the Quebec City Islamic Cultural Centre on 29 January 2017 during evening prayers. Singapore strongly condemns the attack at a sacred place of worship that has resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts are with the Canadian people.
Yours sincerely,
LEE HSIEN LOONG
