Q: World Health Organization Director General Lee Jong-wook died earlier today after a short illness. What's your comment?

A: We're shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Lee Jong-wook, General World Health Organization on May 22nd. We mourn the loss of an outstanding leader to the WHO and a sincere friend to China. The Chinese Government and people extend our deepest condolence to the WHO, the ROK Government, his family and friends.

Dr. Lee dedicated dozens of years of service to the WHO. Under his leadership in particular, the WHO properly addressed major international health challenges, including SARS and the avian influenza. He played a very important role in enhancing global public health exchanges and cooperation as well as promoting the relationship between China and WHO and China's public health. The Chinese Government highly appreciates Dr. Lee's effort and stands ready to cooperate closely with the WHO to press ahead with his unfinished undertakings.