U.S. President Barack Obama offered condolences on the death of former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun Saturday, praising Roh’s contributions to the strong and vital relationship between the two countries.

In a brief statement, the U.S. president said he was saddened by the news of Roh's death, and offered sympathies to Roh's family and the Korean people on behalf of the U.S. government.

The U.S. ambassador in Seoul is reportedly considering paying respects to the late Korean president after funeral arrangements are announced.

A source in Washington said that after funeral arrangements are decided upon, Obama may send a letter of condolences to bereaved families or send a politician close to the late fomer South Korean leader as a condolence envoy to Seoul.