Tibetan Dalai Lama has expressed his deep sadness from the passing away of Nelson Mandela.

In a condolence letter addressed to Mandela's family the spiritual leader said that he would miss "dear friend" Mandela.

The Dalai Lama continued, "He was a man of courage, principle and unquestionable integrity, a great human being, someone of whom we can truly say, "He lived a meaningful life." I pray for him and offer my heartfelt condolences to you, the members of your family and the entire people of South Africa."

In a statement published on his official website, the Dalai Lama wrote: "In his death the world has lost a great leader, whose steadfast and unflinching determination played a key role in securing peace and reconciliation during South Africa's transition from apartheid rule. Under his leadership South Africa was transformed through peaceful means, in the spirit of reconciliation."

The Dalai Lama pointed out that "the best tribute we can pay to him is to do whatever we can to contribute to honoring the oneness of humanity and working for peace and reconciliation as he did".

Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state.

His condition deteriorated and he died following complications from the lung infection, with his family by his side.