BEIJING - China on Saturday offered condolences to the death of Uzebk President Islam Karimov who died on Friday at the age of 78.

File photo of?Islam Karimov. [Photo/Xinhua]

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said the Chinese side, shocked to learn the death of Karimov, expressed deep condolences and sincere sympathy to his family.

Hua credited Karimov as founder of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who made great contribution to the national independence, development and prosperity of the country.

She said Karimov was committed to the friendship and cooperation between China and Uzbekistan, and made unremitting efforts to promote the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, two-way exchanges, and people-to-people friendship.

"His pass away is a great loss of the Uzbek people. The Chinese people also lost a sincere friend," Hua said.

She added that China was ready to work with Uzbekistan to consolidate the good-neighbor relationship, deepen bilateral cooperation, and continue to push forward the development of the bilateral relations.

"At this time of sorrow, the Chinese people will stand together with the Uzbek people," Hua said.

Karimov, who had served as president of the newly independent republic since 1991, suffered a brain hemorrhage on Aug. 27.

His funeral will be held on Saturday in the historic town of Samarkand, where he was born, a government statement said, adding that a three-day period of mourning would start on the same day.