BEIJING - China voices here Monday its "deep regret" regarding the death of Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz.

"The crown prince highly valued the friendship between China and Saudi Arabia and played an active role in promoting bilateral relations", Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a regular news briefing, stating that China "feels deep regret for the passing of the crown prince of Saudi Arabia."

The Saudi crown prince passed away on Saturday. A top figure in the oil-rich kingdom, he had dealt with various medical issues in recent years and had traveled to Morocco for treatment. He had been in the United States since June and underwent a medical operation in July.

"Sultan was an important leader of Saudi Arabia and made significant contributions in improving his country's development, as well as in promoting peace and stability in the region," Jiang said.

According to Jiang, President Hu Jintao sent a telegram to Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud expressing his deepest condolences for the passing of the crown prince.