SINGAPORE, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Singaporean Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong on Wednesday conveyed condolences to President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rowhani on the passing of Chairman of the Expediency Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement.
In his condolence letter, Goh Chok Tong said he was saddened to learn of the passing of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
He referred Rafsanjani as a prominent statesman, who had made significant contributions to Iran and the Iranian people during his tenure as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran from 1989 to 1997.
Goh said Rafsanjani's commitment to better the lives of Iranians never faltered.
Goh added that Rafsanjani had contributed to Singapore and Iran bilateral relations as he recounted his experience meeting with the ex-president of Iran on three occasions, on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Jakarta in 1992 and when Goh visited Tehran in 2004 and 2007.
"My thoughts are with you and the people of Iran at this time of mourning," said Goh.
