World leaders are extending their condolences over the death of former president Kim Dae-jung who died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 85.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II expressed her condolences to the late former president in a letter to President Lee Myung-bak, saying Kim left a mark in the history of democracy.

Japan’s former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone and other politicians paid their last respect to the former South Korean president at a memorial alter set up in Seoul's embassy to Japan.

Fukuda expressed deep sorrow talking about Kim’s efforts to improve the relations between South Korea and Japan.

Vietnam’s foreign ministry spokesman issued a commentary stating that the late former president was a friend of Vietnam and its people. It said he had made great contributions to promote the two countries' bilateral cooperative relations and to realize peace in the Asia-Pacific region and greater world.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of Thailand also expressed sincere condolences, saying Kim dedicated his life for South Korea's democratization and peace on the Korean Peninsula.