International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde has issued a statement offering her condolences on the death of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi," she said.

“Among his many achievements, Prime Minister Meles was instrumental in raising economic growth and reducing poverty in Ethiopia. Prime Minister Meles was also a powerful spokesman for Africa on the international scene," Lagarde added.

She concluded, “On behalf of the International Monetary Fund, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family and the people of Ethiopia.”

Zenawi passed away on Monday at the age of 57 in a Brussels hospital after a long illness. He was regarded as close ally by western powers in fighting against Islamist militants in the Horn of Africa.  

He has been succeeded by Hailemariam Desalegn who is expected to run the country until an election in 2015, as reported on Wednesday.