The message reads:
Dear Mr President,
Please accept my condolences on the death of post-apartheid South Africa’s first President Nelson Mandela, an outstanding political figure and statesman, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Nelson Mandela is rightfully considered to be the main figure who contributed to the process of national reconciliation in South Africa. He did a tremendous amount to make his country a strong and thriving democratic state.
Paying tribute to this great son of Africa who was conferred the Order of Friendship in our country, we will always be grateful to him for his vast personal contribution to the development of sound relations between Russia and South Africa. Today, these relations have reached a high level of strategic partnership.
Please pass my condolences to Nelson Mandela’s relatives, the Government, and the people of South Africa.
Dmitry Medvedev
