Expressing grief upon Mukherjee's unfortunate demise, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying in a media briefing in Beijing today said, "Former President Mukherjee was a veteran statesman of India. In his 50 years in politics, he made positive contributions to China-India relations."
The Chinese official further in her address mentioned about Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India in 2014 and his meeting with Pranab Mukherjee which lead to a joint statement by the two countries on building closer development partnership.
"It is a heavy loss for China-India friendship and to India. We express deep condolences over his passing and extend sincere sympathies to the Indian government and his family," spokesperson Hua added.
The Bharat Ratna awardee Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday evening at the Army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi cantonment following a 21-day battle with multiple ailments.
ALSO READ | Pranab Mukherjee: A Staunch Congressman Who Fearlessly Met Shiv Sena's Bal Thackeray, Shared Stage With RSS & Won India's Trust
The Congress veteran Mukherjee, was admitted to the hospital on August 10 after developing a blood clot. His condition turned critical following a brain surgery. He had also tested positive for Covid-19.
The mortal remains of the 13th President were brought from the Army hospital around 9.30 was then taken to the Lodhi Road crematorium for the last rites at 2 pm where he has been laid to rest with full state honours.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other bigwigs of politics paid tributes to former President at his residence, 10, Rajaji Marg, earlier today.