BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping has conveyed condolences to his Botswana counterpart Ian Khama over the death of former President Quett Ketumile Joni Masire.

In a message dated June 23, Xi mourned Masire's death and extended sincere sympathy to the family of the former president.

As an old friend of the Chinese people, Masire has made significant contributions to China-Botswana friendship and cooperation as well as to the development of China-Botswana and China-Africa relations, which will be remembered forever by the Chinese people, Xi said.

The Chinese president also voiced hope for steady progress in China-Botswana friendly cooperative relations so as to deliver more tangible benefits to the two countries and peoples.

Masire died at 91 on June 22 at the Bokamoso Private Hospital in the capital where he has been hospitalized in intensive care unit.