Xi extends condolences to France

President Xi Jinping sent his condolences on Friday to French President Emmanuel Macron over the passing of the country's former president Jacques Chirac.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi expressed deep sadness over the former leader's passing and conveyed sincere condolences to the French government and people as well as Chirac's family.

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

The former French president made significant contributions to establishing the Sino-French comprehensive strategic partnership, promoting China-European Union comprehensive and friendly cooperation and developing exchanges and mutual learning between East and West, Xi said.

Chirac also contributed greatly to advocating world multipolarization and multilateralism as well as maintaining global peace and stability, he added.

Xi said that the passing of Chirac is a heavy loss for France and the French people. The Chinese people also lost a good friend.

Xi stressed that he highly values the development of the Sino-French relationship and stands ready to work with Macron to write a new chapter of bilateral friendship and cooperation.

Chirac died on Thursday at the age of 86.