SINGAPORE - World leaders expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister, who died on Monday aged 91.

Then vice-president Xi Jinping, right, meets Singapore's former prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, in this May 23, 2011, file photo. [Photo by Xu Jingxing/Asianewsphoto]

Chinese president Xi Jinping

"Lee was the founder of Singapore and a strategist and statesman widely respected by the international community. He was also an old friend of the Chinese people and the founder, pioneer and promoter of China-Singapore relations.

"Lee and the old generations of Chinese leaders jointly set the direction of China-Singapore ties. Lee made great contributions to enhancing friendship of the two peoples and broadening bilateral cooperation.

"The death of Lee is a loss to the people of Singapore, and to the international community as well.

"China is willing to work with Singapore to continue traditional friendship between the two countries, consolidate their good-neighborly ties and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation so as to benefit the two countries and peoples." More about Xi's condolences

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott

"Today, we mourn the passing of a giant of our region. Fifty years ago, Lee Kuan Yew led a vulnerable, fledgling nation to independence. Today, thanks to his vision and determination, Singapore is one of the world's most successful countries.

"In Lee Kuan Yew's own words, Singapore's remarkable journey has been from 'third world to first'.

"Thanks to his leadership, Singapore is now one of the world's most prosperous nations, a financial powerhouse, and one of the world's easiest places to do business.

"Our region owes much to Lee Kuan Yew. Here in Australia and beyond, leaders sought and learned from his wise counsel."

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key

"A man of rare qualities, Mr Lee's courage, determination, commitment, character and ability made him a formidable leader who held the respect of Singaporeans and the international community alike.

"Mr Lee provided a unifying presence in his country since its creation as a state in 1965. His loss will be deeply felt by his family and the people of Singapore.

"I had the honor of meeting Mr Lee in 2007 during his last official visit to New Zealand. He was well known for his insights and foresight, but what struck me most was his unwavering determination to see Singapore succeed.

"A powerful advocate for the region and supportive of New Zealand's role in Southeast Asia and the wider world, Mr Lee was a close and long-time friend of New Zealand."