China expresses deep condolences over passing of Norway's King Harald V: FM spokesperson

BEIJING, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- China expresses deep condolences over passing of Norway's King Harald V, and extends its sincere sympathies to the Norwegian Royal Family, and the government and people of Norway, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a daily press briefing that King Harald V was deeply respected and beloved by the Norwegian people. The king has devoted himself to the friendship between China and Norway, paid multiple visits to China, and made important contributions to cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, Guo added.

According to the Royal House of Norway, King Harald V died at the age of 89 on Aug. 28. Under Norway's rules of succession, 53-year-old Crown Prince Haakon immediately succeeded to the throne and became the country's new king.