Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Teo Chee Hean has written a letter to convey empathy for floods-affected Australia, the Ministry of Defense said Tuesday.

Teo has written a letter to Australian Minister for Defense Stephen Smith to express Singapore's empathy for the Australian government and people as they grapple with floods in Queensland, a spokesman for the ministry said.

Singapore has offered assistance to Australia, Teo was quoted as saying.

Teo has also written to Brad Carter, mayor of floods-hit Rockhampton to convey Singapore's empathy and offer assistance, the ministry said.

Australian authorities have expressed appreciation for Singapore's offers of assistance, it added.

"Singapore notes that the Australian authorities are coping well with the situation and have replied that they will contact Singapore should Singapore's assistance be needed," the ministry spokesman said.