BEIJING - Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday sent a message of condolences to Burundian Foreign Minister Ezechiel Nibigira over the passing of Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza.

Calling Nkurunziza an outstanding politician and a good friend of the Chinese people, Wang said the president had been committed to deepening the traditional friendship between China and Burundi and promoting the exchange and cooperation in various areas.

President Nkurunziza had made important contributions to building the all-weather partnership between China and Burundi, Wang said.

The Chinese top diplomat said he is willing to make joint efforts with Nibigira to enhance the traditional China-Burundi friendship and push forward the further development of bilateral relations.