Dharamsala, Aug 1 (IANS): Describing him as a personal friend, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has condoled the demise of former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui.

In a letter to his widow Tseng Wen-hui and family members, he wrote: "As you know I had the honour of meeting your husband during my first visit to Taiwan in 1997 when he was the first popularly elected President.

"Subsequently, we met again in Taiwan and at Peace Forums elsewhere and I regard him as a personal friend.

"His contribution to Taiwan's democratic development was an exceptional achievement. Today, Taiwan is a vibrant and prosperous democracy with a rich cultural heritage. Perhaps the best tribute we can pay him is to remember his courage and determination and emulate his dedication to democracy."

The Nobel Peace laureate concluded by observing that President Lee Teng-hui was an ally of the Tibetan people and did what he could to support them.

The former President, considered the "father of Taiwan's democracy", died at the age of 97 on Thursday from septic shock and multiple organ failure, after being in hospital for nearly six months.