China voices deep condolences over passing of former senior DPRK official Kim Yong Nam

BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China expresses deep condolences over the passing of Kim Yong Nam, former chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.

According to media reports, Kim Yong Nam died of illness at the age of 97 on Monday local time.

Noting that Kim was an old friend of the Chinese people, spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily news briefing that during his lifetime, Kim had led delegations on many visits to China and made important contributions to promoting the development of the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK.

China expresses its profound condolences over his passing and extends sincere sympathies to his family, Mao added. ■