Obama expresses condolences over Lee Kuan Yew's death

SINGAPORE - US president Barack Obama expressed his condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a phone conversation on Monday.

President Obama told PM Lee that Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was a remarkable leader who made lasting contributions, not just to Singapore's development, but also to the region's dynamism.

Mr Obama also said that he was appreciative of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's wise counsel and strong support for US-Singapore relations.

In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office also said that PM Lee had a telephone conversation with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on the same day.

ljessica@sph.com.sg