WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama highlighted the "extraordinary relationship" between Singapore and the United States, as he hosted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Oval Office in the White House.
Addressing reporters just before the two men met on Tuesday, Mr Obama described Mr Lee as a "good friend" and Singapore as an "outstanding economic partner".
"Singapore is one of the most successful countries in the world," he said. "I think its progress and development over the last several decades has been an example for many countries around the world."
And as it rebalances towards Asia, Mr Obama said the US would continue to "seek out the advice and good counsel of Singapore, in how to effect that in a way that creates not only strong security but also increased prosperity for both the US and the countries in the region".
He added: "As a leader in Asean and the East Asia Summit, they've provided, I think, a steady vision of how countries in the Pacific region can cooperate effectively for the prosperity and security of all, and are strong promoters of rules of the road and international norms that the US strongly supports.
"Personally, I can tell you there are very few world leaders whom I am more appreciative of in terms of their advice, counsel and thoughtful analysis than Prime Minister Lee."
Mr Obama also thanked Singapore for its defence cooperation as the first of up to four American littoral combat ships arrives in Singapore later this month.
Dr Mark Borthwick, director of the US Asia Pacific Council at the East-West Centre, said Mr Obama's remarks were unusual and very strong. "He used the adjective 'extraordinary' not once but twice to refer to the relationship, and couched his remarks in unusually personal terms with reference to his growing up in the region," he observed.
Mr Lee met Mr Obama on the second day of his four-day visit to the country, his first there since 2010. The Prime Minister also paid tribute to their strong ties and said Singapore wants to help further US engagement with Asia.
"Singapore will do our part, what we can, to help America engage the region constructively, productively and in a way which fosters stability and prosperity for all the countries," he said.
During the half-hour meeting, the two leaders pledged to sustain greater economic engagement and promote bilateral trade and investment, said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
Mr Lee also invited Mr Obama to Singapore.
The meeting was the first in what was a busy day for Mr Lee. He also met US Vice-President Joe Biden and World Bank group president Jim Yong Kim.
In the evening, he spoke at a gala dinner where he reassured top US business leaders that Singapore would continue to open its doors to foreign talent and investments, even as it restructures its economy.
Yesterday, Mr Lee met Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew and Secretary of State John Kerry before travelling to New York for the second leg of his visit.
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