Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, lamented the death of former South African President F.W. de Klerk on Friday, November 12. "He was a man of principle who worked diligently for the rights of every individual in order to promote peace and harmony in society, whether in South Africa or elsewhere," the spiritual leader wrote in a letter to his wife, Elita de Klerk. "I also appreciate that he oversaw the dismantling of South Africa's nuclear weapons program”, Dalai Lama said.

"As Nobel Peace Laureates, we have had the opportunity to meet at numerous venues in our collaborative efforts to promote better understanding among nations and peoples with the goal of establishing a safer, more peaceful world over the years." "Although he is no longer with us, we may take solace in the knowing that your husband lived a significant life," His Holiness said. De Klerk, who died on Thursday at the age of 85, was known for his role in overthrowing South Africa's apartheid rule and delivering universal suffrage to the country.

From 1989 to 1994, he served as President of South Africa. De Klerk served as Nelson Mandela's Deputy until 1996, after Mandela was elected as the country's first black President. In 1993, De Klerk and Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize for their contributions to the end of apartheid.

Guterres mourns death of former South African President de Klerk

Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Ressa to address human rights forum

University of Southern California faces bomb threat prompting evacuation