Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan has written to his Ecuadorean counterpart Guillaume Long to offer his condolences over the earthquake last Saturday that killed at least 525 people and left more than 1,000 missing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday (April 20).

Dr Vivian said Singapore would make a contribution of US$50,000 (S$66,950) to help Ecuador in its immediate relief and recovery efforts, according to MFA.

Here is the text of the letter:

Letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador Guillaume Long

19 April 2016

Dear Minister Long,

I was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread damage caused by the earthquake that struck Ecuador on 16 April 2016. I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Ecuador. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone who has been affected during this difficult time.

Singapore will make a contribution of US$50,000 to assist Ecuador in its immediate relief and recovery efforts. We hope that this will be of some assistance to those affected.

Yours sincerely,

DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN