BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a message of condolences to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa over the passing of the country's former president Robert Mugabe.

Robert Mugabe (File photo: VCG)

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and also in his own name, Xi expressed deep sadness over the former leader's passing away and conveyed sincere condolences to the Zimbabwean government and people as well as Mugabe's relatives.

Xi said Mr. Mugabe was an outstanding statesman and leader of the national liberation movement of Zimbabwe and Africa, who had visited China multiple times and made remarkable contribution to promoting the friendship and cooperation between China and Zimbabwe and that between China and Africa.

Mugabe's passing is a huge loss to the Zimbabwean people, and China has also lost an old friend and a good friend, Xi added.

Xi said the Chinese side cherishes its brotherly traditional friendship with Zimbabwe, and is willing to work with the Zimbabwean government and people to continue broadening and deepening cooperation of the two sides in all areas, and push for the constant development of China-Zimbabwe comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.