Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good: UN chief Antonio Guterres

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres voiced deep sorrow Saturday at the news his predecessor Kofi Annan had passed away, calling him "a guiding force for good".

''Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good. I join the world in mourning his loss. In these turbulent and trying times, his legacy as a global champion for peace will remain a true inspiration for us all,'' Guterres tweeted

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement on the passing of former Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

The statement read: ''Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good.  It is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing.  In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination.''
 
''Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership.''

''He remained someone I could always turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone. He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world.  In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all of us,'' the statement further added.
 
''My heartfelt condolences to Nane Annan, their beloved family, and all who mourn the loss of this proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity,'' the statement concluded.

Kofi Annan, former United Nations secretary-general, died aged 80, the Kofi Annan Foundation said on Saturday.   

He won the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work.

Annan, of Ghanaian nationality, died in hospital in Bern, Switzerland, in the early hours of Saturday, two close associates of Annan said, according to news agency Reuters. He was the first black African to take up the role of the world's top diplomat, according to reports.