Singapore's Prime Minister Conveys Condolences to Japan

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday that his country stands in solidarity with the government and people of Japan.

Lee conveyed this in a message written Saturday afternoon at the Japanese Embassy, in the condolence book for the March 11, 2011 Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami, Singapore TV Channel NewsAsia reported.

His message read: "Deepest condolences to the government and people of Japan, and especially the victims and their families, from the government and people of Singapore. We stand in solidarity and support with you. May you recover and rebuild your homes, lives, and country".

Northeast Japan was hit on March 11 by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake which resulted in a powerful tsunami.

Since the disasters struck, aid has been pouring into Japan from many countries. Singapore sent five search specialists and five search dogs from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to Japan on March 12, a day after the disasters.

Japan continues grappling with rescue efforts, as the death toll continues rising. Japanese police said earlier Saturday the number of people confirmed dead exceeded 7,000, with thousands more still missing.