Vitaly Churkin had been Russia's permanent ambassador to the United States since 2006. (Photo : Getty Images)
During a United Nations Security Council meeting held on Tuesday in New York, Chinese U.N. Ambassador Liu Jieyi expressed sympathy on China's behalf after news broke in that his Russian counterpart has passed away.
According to a report by China Daily-USA, Liu lauded Churkin, describing him as a veteran diplomat that has significantly contributed to the organization.
"We feel shocked and saddened over Ambassador Churkin's sudden death and express our deep condolences," he said, commenting that he has "worked until the end of his life, showing exactly what dedication and professionalism mean."
"He is an outstanding example of a diplomat," the Chinese envoy further said.
Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council honored the senior diplomat before the said meeting. The ambassador of the council's 15 members delivered speeches and expressed their sympathies and condolences.
It was in 2006 when Churkin was appointed as the Russian government's permanent envoy to the United Nations. He passed away in New York on Monday, a day short of his 65th birthday.
Reports have surfaced that he died from a heart attack though the Russian Foreign Ministry only clarified that he died after being taken ill from work -- no further circumstances were disclosed.
The same day, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres shared that he "learned with shock and sadness" about his fellow diplomat's sudden death.
"Ambassador Churkin was a uniquely skilled diplomat, a powerful orator with great wit, and a man of many talents and interests," Guterres further remarked in a statement.
Prior his last post, Churkin was an ambassador-at-large at his country's Foreign Ministry from 2003 until 2006. He also served as Russia's envoy to Belgium (1994 to 1998) and Canada (1998-2003).
According to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, he was an "outstanding diplomat of modern times."
Churkin, who was born on Feb. 21, 1952, was also a former child actor.
News reports have also stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin was upset over Churkin's death. Local news agencies cited Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying that "the head of state highly valued Churkin's professionalism and diplomatic talent."
