Xi sends condolences to Macron over death of Chirac

BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a message of condolence to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, over the death of former French President Jacques Chirac, who passed away Thursday at the age of 86.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi expressed deep condolences over the demise of Chirac and offered sincere sympathy to the family of the late French president.

Chirac was a world-renowned statesman and strategist, and more than that, he was an old friend of the Chinese people, Xi said in the message.

He made significant contributions to establishing and developing the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, pushing forward all-round friendly cooperation between China and Europe, boosting East-West cultural exchanges and mutual learning, advocating global multipolarization and multilateralism, and safeguarding world peace and stability, Xi said.

His death is not only a huge loss for France and the French people, but also a loss of an old and good friend for the Chinese people, Xi said.

The Chinese president stressed that he highly values China-France relations and stands ready to make joint efforts with Macron to usher in a new chapter for friendly cooperation between the two countries.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also sent a condolence message to French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe over Chirac's passing away, conveying profound condolences and sincere sympathy.