President Xi Jinping expressed deep condolences on Friday over the passing of Tanzania's former President Benjamin William Mkapa, commending his contributions to advancing ties between China and Tanzania as well as Africa.

In a message of condolence to Tanzania's President John Pombe Magufuli, Xi called Mkapa an outstanding African leader and an old friend of the Chinese people. He expressed his sincere sympathies to Mkapa's families.

Xi said he considers China-Tanzania ties greatly important, and stands ready to work with Magufuli to move forward the comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two countries to a new stage to benefit the two countries and the two peoples.

Mkapa died at Dar es Salaam Hospital on July 24 at the age of 81.