Chinese president, premier send condolences over Helmut Kohl's death

File photo of former German chancellor Helmut Kohl, who passed away at the age of 87. [Photo: Frank Leonhardt/dpa via AP]

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent condolences to his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel after former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl passed away at the age of 87.

In the messages, Xi hailed Kohl's contributions to Germany's reunification and European integration, calling him an "old friend" of Chinese people. He also stressed Kohl's role in improving China-Germany relations as well as China-Europe dialogues and cooperation.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message of condolence to Merkel, saying Kohl's contribution in promoting China-Germany exchanges and cooperation will be remembered by Chinese people.

Kohl, who served as German chancellor from 1982 to 1998, died on Friday morning at his home in Ludwigshafen in western Germany, his Christian Democratic Union party (CDU) said.

Known as "the chancellor of unity," Kohl was a major political figure to push forward Germany's reunification in 1990. He also contributed to European integration and the introduction of the euro currency in Germany.