Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a message of condolence to interim President of Tunisia Mohamed Ennaceur after the death of President Beji Caid Essebsi at the age of 92.

In his message, Xi expressed his profound condolences over the death of Essebsi and extended his sympathy to the relatives of the former president.

On behalf of the Chinese government, the Chinese people and in his own name, Xi expressed deep sympathy with and sincere condolences to the Tunisian government and the Tunisian people.

Calling Essebsi an outstanding Tunisian politician, Xi said that Essebsi had made important contributions to advancing the cause of China-Tunisia friendship.

China is willing to work with Tunisia to push forward their friendly relations and cooperation in order to bring more benefits to the two countries and peoples, Xi said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday also sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, expressing grief to the Tunisian government while extending sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.

Earlier on Thursday, the Tunisian presidency announced the death of President Essebsi, whose health had deteriorated for the third time in less than a month.

His death coincided with the 62nd anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Tunisia.

Essebsi was born in November 1926 and took over the Tunisian presidency after winning the 2014 elections.