China has joined the rest of the world in expressing its condolences over the death of Nancy Reagan, former United States first lady, on Monday.

Reagan passed away at the age of 94 in her Los Angeles home Sunday morning, according to her office. The former first lady died of congestive heart failure.

Like Us on Facebook

At a routine press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters that China is mourning the passing of the former US first lady, whom he said was committed to fostering friendly exchanges between China and the US.

"She was committed to friendly exchanges between the two countries, and made positive contributions to the development of the China-US relations," Hong said.

Nancy Reagan will be buried next to her husband, former US President Ronald Reagan, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California.

A statement issued by Nancy Reagan's office said members of the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects at the library prior to the funeral service.

The White House also expressed its condolences over the death of the former US first lady and praised her for her role in advancing Alzheimer's research.

Mrs. Reagan became an advocate for Alzheimer's research after her husband was diagnosed with the disease in 1994.

"Later, in her long goodbye with President Reagan, she became a voice on behalf of millions of families going through the depleting, aching reality of Alzheimer's, and took on a new role, as advocate, on behalf of treatments that hold the potential and the promise to improve and save lives," said the statement.

Nancy Reagan served as First Lady from 1981 to 1989. She was remembered for her passionate advocacy for decreasing drug and alcohol abuse, according to the website of the White House.

TagsNancy Reagan