Modi meets Singapore minister emeritus, Israeli president

Singapore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived here to attend the funeral of the city state's founder prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, met senior Singapore leader Goh Chok Tong and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Sunday.

Ahead of the funeral that started around 12.30 p.m., Modi met Goh, now a minister emeritus of Singapore. The Indian prime minister arrived here early Sunday.

Lee died at the age of 91 on Monday after a long battle with pneumonia.

“Singapore appreciates India's gestures. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong thanks PM,” Syed Akbaruddin, India's external affairs ministry spokesman, tweeted.

Goh served as Singapore's prime minister after Lee for 14 years from 1990.

Modi also held a one-on-one meeting with Israeli President Rivlin ahead of Lee's funeral.

“Fostering greater cooperation. Prez Reuven Rivlin meets with PM,” tweeted Akbaruddin.

Modi is among a host of world leaders who have gathered here for the funeral of Singapore's legendary founder prime minister.

Among others are former US president Bill Clinton, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The Indian prime minister is scheduled to make an official visit to Singapore later this year as part of the government's Act East policy.