By Kim Hayeon

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Nov. 30 expressed its condolences over the death of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, saying, "We pray that he rests in peace and convey our condolences to his bereaved family."

"Our government highly appreciates former Chinese national leader Jiang Zemin's contributions to the development of Korea-China ties, including the formation of bilateral relations in 1992."

On plans to send a condolatory telegram, the ministry said, "Under preparation."

The Chinese government's media outlet Xinhua said Jiang on Nov. 30 at 12:13 p.m. died in Shanghai while receiving treatment for illnesses including leukemia.

A letter to the Chinese people from the Central Committee and Central Military Commissions of the Communist Party of China and Standing Committee of the National People's Congress said, "We proclaim with profound grief to the whole Party, the entire military and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups that our beloved Comrade Jiang Zemin died of leukemia and multiple organ failure after all medical treatments had failed."

In 1993, Jiang began his 10-year term as president.  

Two years later, he became the first Chinese head of state to make an official visit to Korea. 

hayeounk8@korea.kr