HONG KONG - Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying expressed condolences over the death of former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on Monday.

Mr Leung sent a condolence message to the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong on behalf of Hong Kong people and the Hong Kong government, Xinhua news agency reported.

He said Mr Lee's integrity, tenacity, vision and drive had laid the most solid foundation possible for the impressive economic development, prosperity and social harmony that epitomise Singapore today.

He said Singapore and Hong Kong have long been partners in the pursuit of excellence and Hong Kong continues to look to Singapore as a close friend.

"We join the people of your nation during this period of national mourning and reflection," he added.