SINGAPORE - United States President Barack Obama called Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday to convey his condolences on the death of Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Mr Obama expressed "his and the First Lady's condolences and the condolences of the American people on the death of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew", a statement from the White House said.

"The US President recognised founding Prime Minister Lee's remarkable leadership and lasting contributions, not just to Singapore's development, but also to the region's dynamism."

Mr Obama also added that he appreciated the late Mr Lee's "wise counsel and strong support for US-Singapore relations."

Earlier, Mr Obama was one of the first world leaders to pay tribute to Mr Lee, who died on March 23.

He said then: "He was a true giant of history who will be remembered for generations to come as the father of modern Singapore and as one the great strategists of Asian affairs."