BEIJING, Dec. 6 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday expressed deep grief over the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday night in his Johannesburg home at the age of 95.

"We feel deeply aggrieved to know that Mr. Mandela, who is much respected by all people around the world, passed away early this morning," Li said at the beginning of his talks with visiting French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

During the talks, Li also expressed his sincere sympathies and those of the Chinese government and people to Mandela's family as well as the South African government and people.

Mandela passed away at around 8:50 p.m. local time (2:50 a.m. Beijing time Friday) on Dec. 5.