Xi sends condolences to UN chief on Annan's death

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a message of condolence to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres over the passing away of former UN chief Kofi Annan last week.

In the message, Xi said he deeply mourned Annan and expressed condolences to his family and the UN.

Annan is an old friend of China, and China-UN cooperation was comprehensively strengthened during his term as the UN chief, Xi said.

File photo taken on December 22, 2006, shows then UN secretary-general Kofi Annan speaking during a UN Security Council meeting in New York. /Xinhua Photo

Xi commended Annan as a worldwide renowned activist on international issues, who was committed to promoting multilateralism and greater UN influence, and made excellent contributions to world peace and development.

Annan was an outstanding representative of the African people, cared about Africa and pushed for increasing global awareness of African issues as well as investment in Africa, Xi added.

In a world of increasing uncertainties and instabilities, the multilateralism championed by Annan bears significant relevance and his efforts and contributions will be honored by people of all countries, Xi noted.

Then UN secretary-general Kofi Annan (L) and then South Korean foreign minister and president of the General Assembly Han Seung Soo show their medals and certificates during the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, December 10, 2001. /VCG Photo

The former UN chief and Nobel Peace Prize laureate passed away on Saturday at the age of 80.

Born in April 1938 in Ghana's Kumasi, Annan served as the seventh secretary-general of the UN from January 1997 to the end of 2006. He also played active roles in promoting peace and reconciliation in Kenya, Syria and Myanmar's Rakhine region after retirement as UN chief.

In 2007, Annan established the Kofi Annan Foundation that is dedicated to improving global governance and building a fairer, more peaceful world.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency