Mr Putin said in his message of condolences that Nelson Mandela’s name is inextricably linked with a whole era in Africa’s modern history that ended with the victory over apartheid and the establishment of a democratic Republic of South Africa. The President noted that Mr Mandela traversed great hardships and trials, but remained true to the noble ideals of humanism and justice right to the end.
Mr Putin praised Mr Mandela’s efforts to develop friendly relations between Russia and South Africa, which have now reached the strategic partnership level.
The President sent a message of condolences to President of South Africa Jacob Zuma, expressing his sympathy and support for Mr Mandela’s family and friends, and South Africa’s government and entire people.