Chinese VP mourns Chirac at French embassy

BEIJING - Vice President Wang Qishan on Saturday visited the French embassy in Beijing to mourn the passing of former French president Jacques Chirac, who passed away Thursday at the age of 86.

Wang stood in silent tribute in front of Chirac'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 French government and people as well as Chirac's relatives.

Hailing Chirac as an outstanding statesman and leader of France, Wang said the former president made outstanding contributions to promoting the development of Sino-French and Sino-European relations, boosting exchanges and mutual learning between the eastern and western civilizations, and advocating multilateralism.

President Chirac is an old friend of the Chinese people and a banner of Sino-French relations. Chinese people will never forget his historic achievements, Wang said.

Stressing the strategic importance of Sino-French relations, Wang said China stands ready to continue to work with France to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries and push forward the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang added.