Mandela was the greatest statesman the world has seen: President Yameen

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has stated that Nelson Mandela was the greatest statesman the world has seen.

President Yameen wrote the statement on a book of remembrance honoring the former South African President, opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

“President Mandela was the greatest statesman the world has seen. His long walk to freedom; his achievement of the “Rainbow Nation”; his principles of courage, justice and equality are shining lights to millions around the world. His patriotism and his passion for the protection of human dignity will stay with us for generations to come,” President Yameen wrote on the book.

Nelson Mandela passed away on Thursday at the age of 95. South Africa is preparing to hold the late president's funeral on Sunday, 5 December.