Maldivian leader sends condolences following passing of former Chinese leader Jiang

Former Chinese President Jiang Zemin gestures during the opening session of the 18th Communist Party Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has sent a message of condolence following the passing of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin.

Jiang died at the age of 96 on Wednesday.

A Chinese Communist Party statement said he died of leukemia and multiple organ failure.

In a message of condolence to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, President Solih offered sympathies to him and the people of China.

“As China mourns the passing away of their former President Jiang Zemin, on behalf of the government and people of Maldives I send our sympathies to you and the people of China,” he said.