KATHMANDU: Sonia Gandhi, president of Indian National Congress expressed sadness over the death of Girija Prasad Koirala (GPK), president of Nepali Congress describing him as the true leader of the nation.

Sending a condolence letter to Sujata Koirala, daughter of late GPK, Gandhi said that the late Koirala was the main initiator of the current peace process and the end to the decade long Maoist conflict.

She also hailed GPK for his contribution in maintaining good Indo-Nepal relations and for being a close friend to India.

Likewise, sending a condolence letter to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao hailed GPK for his efforts to improve the Nepal China relations. He also hoped that the ongoing peace process would be taken to a logical conclusion despite his absence.

Similarly in a letter to the late GPK's daughter and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sujata Koirala, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi has expressed grief over GPK's death. He also stated that he was eager to work with her in the absence of GPK.

Meanwhile the President of Swiss Federation has also expressed his sorrow over GPK's death.

Likewise Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada also condoled the death of GPK and expressed his firm commitment in helping to take Nepal's peace process to a logical conclusion.