Chinese President Hu Jintao offered condolences on Wednesday over the death of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In separate messages to Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE, and Sheikh Khaleifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi, Hu expressed condolences over the death of President Sheikh Zayed.

Hu said President Sheikh Zayed is an outstanding leader and has made great contributions to cooperation between China and the UAE.

Hu also noted that China is willing to make joint efforts with the UAE to further promote friendly cooperation between the two countries.

President Sheikh Zayed, who had been the ruler of the UAE for more than 30 years, passed away at the age of 86 on Tuesday evening.