In a valedictory letter to Ms Ardern, Mr Lee mentioned he was sorry to study that she experienced made a decision to phase down, even though he fully comprehended her reasons for performing so.
“Like quite a few, I was moved looking at your private and honest statement asserting your decision,” he said.
“I hope that soon after you have handed around your responsibilities, you will be equipped to recharge your tank and proceed contributing to general public existence in other techniques.”
Mr Lee wrote in his letter that Ms Ardern experienced steered New Zealand via unparalleled and complicated moments.
She led the place with “kindness, compassion and energy as a result of multiple crises”, together with the Christchurch assaults, the White Island eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You have also been an inspiration, specifically to girls and girls, not just in New Zealand, but throughout the environment. You have shown that empathy and courage can go hand-in-hand in political management,” explained Mr Lee.
Relations concerning Singapore and New Zealand ended up strengthened all through her time as prime minister.
The Singapore-New Zealand Enhanced Partnership was introduced in May perhaps 2019 in the course of Ms Ardern’s very first formal pay a visit to to Singapore.
All through her next official check out, the partnership was expanded to contain cooperation in local climate alter and the green economy.
“I have constantly enjoyed our discussions, these types of as when we exchanged notes on how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as on regional and intercontinental challenges,” stated Mr Lee.
“You have been a extremely great good friend of Singapore. Be sure to know that you and your family are normally welcome in Singapore. I would like you, Clarke and Neve all the most effective,” he additional.