BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang on Jan 10 sent a message of condolences to his Portuguese counterpart, Antonio Costa, over the death of former Portuguese President Mario Soares.

On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, Premier Li expressed deep grief to the Portuguese side and extended sincere condolences to Soares’ family.

Soares was a highly respected statesman in Portugal and made great contributions to China-Portugal friendship and cooperation, he said.

China attaches great importance to its relations with Portugal and is willing to work jointly with the Portuguese side so as to boost further development of bilateral ties, he added.

Soares served as Portuguese president from 1986 to 1996, and prime minister from 1976 to 1978 and again from 1983 to 1985. He died on Jan 7 aged 92.