Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on Friday 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 offered deep condolences and expressed sincere sympathy to the Chirac family. 

The former French president served two terms at the Élysée Palace between 1995 and 2007.

In the message, Xi hailed Chirac as a "world-renowned politician" and more importantly an "old friend of China," praising him for his significant contributions to developing the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, enhancing China-Europe friendly cooperation, promoting East-West cultural exchanges, advocating global multilateralism, and safeguarding world peace and stability. 

Chirac's death was a huge loss for the French people, and 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 death, conveying profound condolences and sincere sympathy.