World leaders are continuing to express their condolences over the death of former President Kim Dae-jung.

In a message posted on his foundation’s Web site early Wednesday, former U.S. President Bill Clinton called Kim a brave and visionary leader who moved South Korea beyond a serious economic crisis and paved a path to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

In a letter to President Lee Myung-bak on Tuesday, Chinese President Hu Jintao noted Kim’s great contribution to inter-Korean reconciliation and Northeast Asian peace.

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso praised Kim for helping forge a new partnership between Korea and Japan in the 21st century.

Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, Geir Lundestad, said Kim’s contribution to inter-Korean reconciliation and democracy and human rights in Korea, Asia and the world will be forever remembered.

Former speaker of Japan’s House of Representatives, Yohei Kono, said he is deeply sorrowed by the death of his dear friend whom he highly respected.

Former Japanese prime ministers Junichiro Koizumi and Yoshiro Mori also sent messages of condolence.