BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended condolences to Kuwait's new Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah over the passing of the country's former Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. 

ALSO READ: Kuwait's new emir takes oath as country mourns former leader

On behalf of the Chinese government and people as well as in his own name, Xi extended his deep condolences over the death of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and expressed sincere sympathies to his relatives and the Kuwaiti people.

Xi stressed that Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was a distinguished leader of Kuwait, who has made important contributions to building a modern Kuwait and promoting peace and development in the region

Xi stressed that Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was a distinguished leader of Kuwait, who has made important contributions to building a modern Kuwait and promoting peace and development in the region.

Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah attached great importance to developing relations with China, making outstanding contributions to advancing friendly bilateral cooperation in various fields, said Xi, adding that he felt a deep regret that the Chinese people have lost a sincere friend as the former emir passed away.

Xi also said he attaches great importance to the traditional China-Kuwait friendship, and is convinced that with joint efforts from both sides, the China-Kuwait strategic partnership will see steadfast consolidation and development.

Also on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sent a message of condolence to Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah over the passing of the former emir, extending his deep condolences to the Kuwaiti government and sincere sympathies to the relatives of the late leader.