President Tony Tan Keng Yam has written to Acting Uzbek President Nigmatilla Yuldashev to convey his condolences on the death of the country's long-time leader, Mr Islam Karimov.

In his letter, Dr Tan wrote: "Uzbekistan has lost a leader who led the country in its development and progress for the past 25 years since its independence. President Karimov also contributed significantly to enhancing the bilateral relations between Singapore and Uzbekistan."

Dr Tan noted that Mr Karimov made a state visit to Singapore in January 2007 that led to the opening of the Uzbekistan Embassy in Singapore, as well as the conclusion of several agreements that strengthened bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

"On behalf of the people of Singapore I convey our deepest condolences to the family of President Karimov, and to the Government and people of Uzbekistan," he wrote.