Palace ‘saddened’ by death of ex-UN chief Kofi Annan

“Mr. Annan made history as the first and only black African to head the UN, and his humanitarian work has been recognized and earned the former world’s top diplomat a Nobel Peace Prize.” (Photo courtesy of Kofi Annan facebook page via PNA)

MANILA — Malacañang expressed sadness over the death of former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan who passed away on Saturday at the age of 80.

“We are saddened by the demise of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

“Mr. Annan made history as the first and only black African to head the UN, and his humanitarian work has been recognized and earned the former world’s top diplomat a Nobel Peace Prize,” he added.

Roque described Annan as a “diplomat,” “peacekeeper”, and “humanitarian.”

“The world, has, indeed, lost not only a diplomat and peacekeeper but a humanitarian who worked tirelessly for a better and more informed humanity,” Roque said.

“It was Mr. Annan who said: “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family,” he added.

In a separate statement, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano also mourned Annan’s passing and lauded him for his efforts to bring worldwide peace.

“The Philippines will remember Kofi Annan for his unwavering commitment to multilateralism that reinvigorated the United Nations and brought peace to places around the world that have been torn apart by conflict,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano said Annan will be remembered for initiatives including the UN Global Compact, the Millennium Summit, the Global Fund, and UN reform that helped shape today’s international environment.

“The Philippines will remember Kofi Annan as a champion of humanity. His dignity, vision, and determination have made our world a better place to live in. For that, the Philippines will forever be grateful,” he added.

Reports showed that Annan died in a hospital in Bern, Switzerland on Saturday morning due to an undisclosed illness.

Annan is survived by his second wife, Nane, and children Ama, Kojo and Nina.