President Obama struggled with pronouncing the name of the famous former prime minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, while welcoming current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to the White House for a state visit Tuesday.
"Singaporeans pride themselves on being the little red dot. The little red dot on many maps but with a very big impact on the world, in less than a generation under the vision and stewardship of Prime Minister Lee–uh, Lee Kuan Yew," Obama said.
Obama and the crowd laughed off his flub.
Lee Kuan Yew served as prime minister of Singapore for three decades and is recognized as the "founding father" of Singapore. Yew transitioned the country from a third world country to an industrialized nation within a generation. Yew passed away in March 2015.
The state visit includes a joint news conference and a state dinner in the East Room. Loong’s visit comes as the United States and Singapore celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with each other.
Both leaders are expected to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership, known as TPP. Singapore is one of the 12 nations to sign on to the trade agreement that would boost strategic and trade ties in the region.