World leaders offered the Venezuelans condolences over the passing of President Hugo Chavez, as they praised the Latin American leader.

World leaders offered the Venezuelans condolences over the death of President Hugo Chavez, as they praised the Latin American leader.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon paid tribute to Chavez, saying he “spoke to the challenges and aspirations of the most vulnerable Venezuelans.”

The UN Chief offered his “deepest condolences” to the people of Venezuela over the death of their leader, two years after battle with cancer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed his late Venezuelan counterpart as an uncommon and strong man who had made a huge contribution to relations between Moscow and Caracas.

"He was an uncommon and strong man who looked into the future and always set the highest target for himself," Putin said in a telegram of condolence, thanking Chavez for laying the "solid basis" for Russia-Venezuela relations.

For its part, China described the late Chavez as a "great friend of the Chinese people," promising to maintain ties with the petroleum-rich South American country.

"President Chavez was a great leader of Venezuela as well as a great friend of the Chinese people and has made an important contribution to friendly and cooperative relations between China and Venezuela," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

President Hu Jintao and soon-to-be-installed leader Xi Jinping had sent personal messages of condolence to Venezuela's Vice President Nicolas Maduro following the 58-year-old leader's death from cancer, she added.
"Venezuela is an important country in the region and also a good friend of China," she said at a regular briefing in Beijing.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad paid tribute to late Venezuelan leader, saying he had fallen "martyr to a suspect illness".
Ahmadinejad hailed his close ally for "serving the people of Venezuela and defending human and revolutionary values."

"He finally died from a suspect illness and he gave his life... to the elevation of his country and the freedom of his people," Ahmadinejad said in a message of condolences to Vice President Nicolas Maduro.
"Venezuela lost its brave, strong son and the world lost a wise and revolutionary leader," Ahmadinejad added.

Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande meanwhile praised Chavez's determination "to fight for justice," saying he had "profoundly marked his country's history."

In London, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was "saddened" by the death, saying Chavez had left a "lasting impression" on Venezuela's people.

On the other hand, the United States, which Chavez had delighted in antagonizing during his years in office, said it was eying developed relations with the Venezuelans.

"At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez's passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government," President Barack Obama said in a short written statement.

"As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights."