Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Remarks on the Passing of Former South African President Mandela

2013-12-06 22:11

Q: Former South African President Nelson Mandela died of illness on December 5 local time. What is China's comment?

A: Mr. Mandela was a famous anti-apartheid leader in South Africa, the founder of the new South Africa and an eminent statesman with international prestige. He was revered as "the father of the nation" by the South African people and won the respect and admiration of people from around the world. Mr. Mandela was the Chinese people's old friend who made historic contribution to the establishment and development of China-South Africa relations. We deeply lament the passing of Mr. Mandela and express sincere sympathy with the government and people of South Africa as well as Mr. Mandela's family.