His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, has conveyed his condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping following the passing of former premier Li Keqiang.

Similar messages of condolences were also sent by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

Li Keqiang, China's former premier, passed away due to a heart attack on Friday, just seven months after retiring from a decade in office at the age of 68.

The late Li was an influential economist who advocated for a more open market economy and supply-side reforms, a strategy known as 'Likonomics.' Although his vision was not fully realized, his policy contributions were recognized in an official obituary, which described his death as a "huge loss to the party and nation."

The official statement highlighted his policy accomplishments and emphasized that Li worked under the "strong leadership" of President Xi Jinping.

The news of his death led to an outpouring of grief and shock on Chinese social media, with some government websites adopting black-and-white themes as a sign of mourning. The Weibo microblogging platform transformed its 'like' button into a 'mourn' icon resembling a chrysanthemum on its mobile app.

Many expressed sadness at Li's passing, noting that he had dedicated much of his life to the important responsibilities of governing the country. Li served as the premier and head of China's cabinet under President Xi for a decade before retiring from all political positions in March.