Mandela was among the greatest leaders of the 20th century and he left his mark in the history of South Africa and all of humanity, according to Bulgaria's Foreign Minister.

"Rarely in world history has a man succeeded in changing so radically the lives of millions of people, the organization of a country and exerting an influence over society as a whole, through his charisma, perseverance, ideas and values," says a letter of condolence of Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin sent Friday to Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa over the death of former South African President and ant-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.

"Nelson Mandela turned into a symbol of the fight for democracy, freedom and justice. He was not only a political but also spiritual and moral leader," the letter says.

"President Mandela and the people of South Africa went through tough challenges which lasted for years, but together they managed to achieve their high goal of putting an end to the system of apartheid, discrimination and humiliation," the condolence letter says.

"They succeeded in building a country based on equal opportunity, human rights and the aspiration towards social and economic prosperity for all citizens, regardless of color of skin, ethnicity, religion or gender," the letter of Foreign Minister Vigenin concludes.

Mandela, 95, died Thursday night at his home in Johannesburg.

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