HONG KONG, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung Friday expressed his sadness at the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

"We will remember Mr. Mandela as a great man for his sacrifices, accomplishments and relentless quest for peace," Leung said.

"On behalf of the government and people of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, I express our profound sadness at the news of Nelson Mandela's death and our condolences to his family," he said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of South Africa, including our South African community in Hong Kong, during this period of national mourning and reflection," Leung said.

Mandela, the anti-apartheid leader and Nobel Laureate, died of complications from a recurring lung infection on Thursday at the age of 95.