Chinese VP mourns Mugabe at Zimbabwean embassy

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan (front) mourns the passing of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe at the Zimbabwean embassy in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2019. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, Sept. 12 -- Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Thursday visited the Zimbabwean embassy in Beijing to mourn the passing of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.

Wang stood in silent tribute in front of Mugabe's portrait and signed the condolence book. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Wang expressed deep sadness over the former leader's passing and conveyed condolences to the Zimbabwean government and people as well as Mugabe's relatives.

Hailing Mugabe as an outstanding statesman and leader of the national liberation movement of Zimbabwe and Africa, Wang said the former president made remarkable contributions to promotion of friendship and cooperation between China and Zimbabwe as well as between China and Africa.

China cherishes its traditional friendship with Zimbabwe, and is willing to work with the Zimbabwean government and people for the continual development of the China-Zimbabwe comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Wang said.

China believes that under the leadership of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwean people will translate sorrow into strength to make greater achievements in realizing national stabilization and development.