China mourns passing of Norway's King Harald V

China expressed deep condolences on Monday following the passing of Norway's King Harald V who died at the age of 89 early Friday.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular news briefing that King Harald V was deeply respected and loved by the Norwegian people.

The king had been actively committed to promoting China-Norway friendship and had visited China several times during his lifetime, making important contributions to bilateral cooperation and exchanges, Guo said.

China deeply mourns his passing and extends sincere sympathies to the Norwegian royal family, government and people, he added.