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Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki has declared Saturday a national mourning day for South Africa's prominent anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, Tunisian Press Agency (TAP) reported Friday.

"The world has lost a great man with the death of Mandela. I am sad for his departure though it was expected," said Marzouki in Paris.

Marzouki also said that he is grateful to Mandela for mediating his release from jail in 1994 when Tunisia was ruled by Zine Abidine Ben Ali.

Mandela passed away Thursday night at the age of 95. His death was announced officially by South African President Jacob Zuma, who said: "He is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father."

Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh also spoke about the death of Mandela and said that he will always remain an iconic figure of activism and patience.

Also on Friday, Marzouki sent a letter to Zuma, which conveyed his condolence to the family of Mandela and the people of South Africa.