File photo of Kofi Annan.

China mourned the passing of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and sent condolences to his family, said Lu Kang, spokesman of the Foreign Ministry at a regular press briefing Monday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his condolences to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Lu said.

“Kofi Annan was a good friend of the Chinese people and enjoyed a great reputation in the international community,” Lu said, adding that the Ghanaian diplomat had made great contributions to the UN and world peace. “Annan’s efforts and achievements will be engraved in our memory,” added Lu.

(Compiled by Chi Jingyi)