Singapore's President Tony Tan Keng Yam has expressed his "deepest condolences" on the death of Uzbekistan counterpart Islam Karimov, in a letter sent to Acting President Nigmatilla Yuldashev on Saturday (Sept 3).

In the letter, released by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Tan told of his "great sadness" upon receiving the news of Mr Karimov's death at age 78 on Friday (Sept 2).

Dr Tan conveyed his condolences on behalf of the people of Singapore, saying Uzbekistan had "lost a leader who led the country in its development and progress for the past twenty-five years since its independence".

He also told Mr Yuldashev, who is also chairman of the Senate of the Uzbek Parliament, how Mr Karimov had "contributed significantly" towards boost bilateral relations.

This included making a state visit to Singapore in 2007 that led to the opening of the Uzbekistan Embassy, and finalising many agreements that have strengthened bilateral cooperation in the economic and other fields.