Global leaders pay tribute to 'friend' Jiang

Late Chinese leader hailed as outstanding statesman linked with historic changes

Foreign leaders have sent messages to President Xi Jinping or through other channels to express their deep condolences over the passing of Jiang Zemin.

"The name of this outstanding statesman is inseparably linked with an important period in China's modern history, marked by great achievements in economic and social development and the consolidation of international positions," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message of condolence.

As a sincere friend of Russia, Jiang made an invaluable contribution to developing Russian-Chinese relations, Putin said, noting that his fond memories of such an authoritative statesman and remarkable person will forever remain in his heart.

Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, expressed his deep condolences over the passing of Jiang, saying that Jiang made important contributions to the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

As a close friend of the LPRP and the Lao people, Jiang played a guiding role in the development of Laos-China relations, he said.

Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban president, sent condolences to the Chinese people, the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government over the passing of Jiang, saying that he was a dear friend of the Cuban revolution.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam said that as a great statesman, Jiang will always be remembered for his steadfast dedication in enhancing the overall wellbeing of his people as well as leading China into greater economic stability and prosperity. He said that he also appreciated Jiang's efforts in deepening bilateral relations.

Singaporean President Halimah Yacob said Jiang was a distinguished statesman who, through sustained economic reforms, led China on a period of rapid growth and development.

"Our thoughts are with the people of China during this period of bereavement," she said in a message of condolence.

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said Jiang will be remembered as a visionary leader who made great strides in bringing socioeconomic progress for the people of China and also for his efforts in consolidating China's role as a significant contributor on the international stage.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in a message of condolence that Jiang had selflessly served in the name of the prosperity of China, and enhanced the country's authority in the international community. He said that Jiang made a significant contribution to the strengthening of Kazakhstan-China friendship and "will forever remain in the memory of our peoples".

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon spoke highly of Jiang's contributions to promoting China's development, saying that the Tajik side commends Jiang's role in establishing, strengthening and expanding friendly relations, good neighborliness and beneficial cooperation between Tajikistan and China.

Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus, said that Jiang made a great contribution to the revival of the great Chinese nation, which allowed China to become a powerful and economically prosperous state. He also said that Jiang built the foundations of Belarusian-Chinese relations, and contributed to their steady strengthening over many years.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that he and the Palestinian people will always remember the outstanding leader and that Jiang was a supporter of the Palestinian people's just cause, a promoter of Palestine-China relations and a witness to the two countries' establishment of diplomatic relations.

On Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council observed a minute of silence in memory of Jiang.