BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has sent a message of condolences to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the passing of Shimon Peres, former president of Israel.
In the message dated on Wednesday, Wang expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Peres and extended his sincere sympathies to the families of the former Israeli leader.
Wang lamented the passing of Peres, which he said is a loss not only for the Israeli people and the cause of peace in the Middle East, but also for China-Israel relations.
China is willing to make concerted efforts with Israel to promote the continuous development of the two countries' relations of practical cooperation in various fields, he added.
Peres passed away at the age of 93 early Wednesday morning after suffering a major stroke more than two weeks ago.