By CCTV correspondent James Kim

BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhuanet) -- World reaction to the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Tuesday at the age of 58, continues to grow. Many Latin American countries are mourning the death of Chavez, as leaders from other parts of the world sent condolences to the Venezuelan people.

A region mourns, as the rest of the world sends its condolences. Bolivian President Evo Morales arrived in Venezuela to mourn the death of one of his closest allies. A long-standing friend and ally of Chavez, Morales came to express the sadness not only of himself, but his country.

Evo Morales, Bolivian President, said, "I came on behalf of the national government to be with the Venezuelan people in these difficult moments that we are going through. Not only Venezuela, but also the Bolivian people, the people that fight for their freedom. And for this reason, it is our obligation to accompany the people to give them strength and energy."

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has hailed Chavez as a great Latin American, describing his death as an irreparable loss.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has called Chavez a leader who was deeply committed to Latin America’s integration.

As many Latin Americans mourn the death of Chavez, leaders from around the world have also expressed their condolences.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called Chavez "an exceptional and strong person who looked to the future and set the highest objectives. He also called Chavez an outstanding leader and a close friend of Russia."

At a regular press briefing on Wednesday, a spokesman from Russia’s Foreign Ministry praised Chavez as a great statesman who has contributed profoundly to the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Alexander Lukashevich, Spokesman, Russian Foreign Ministry, said, "Chavez is the sincere friend of the Russian people. He has made huge contribution to the strategic partnership between Russia and Venezuela. His presidency has seen frequent economic and cultural exchanges and active political dialogue between the two countries."

Many more world leaders are expected to descend on the Venezuelan capital Caracas for Hugo Chavez’s state funeral, which is expected to be held on Friday.

(Source: CNTV.cn)