By Grace Kuria
In a statement sent on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, “China expresses deep condolences over the death of Tanzanian President John Magufuli and sincere sympathies to his family and the government of Tanzania.”
Mr. Zhao added that Magufuli attached great importance to developing relations with China and made important contributions to bilateral cooperation in various fields, Zhao hailed him as “an outstanding leader and a staunch defender of national sovereignty against foreign interference.”
Tanzania Vice President Samia Suluhu announced late Wednesday night that John Magufuli died.
Magufuli was 61.
