China mourns passing of former Israeli President Peres

China on Wednesday expressed deep condolences at the passing of former Israeli President Shimon Peres and extended sincere sympathies to the Israeli people and the families of Peres.

Peres was a veteran politician and diplomat, as well as a founder of the Middle East peace process, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said, adding that he also contributed considerably to China-Israel ties.

Peres' unfortunate passing is not only a loss for peace in the Middle East, but also to the China-Israel relationship, Geng said.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, Peres passed away in a hospital outside Tel Aviv, two weeks after suffering a stroke. He was 93.

Source : XINHUA