Georgia saddened by death of Israel’s ex- President Shimon Peres

Georgia’s leading figureheads are offering their condolences to the people of Israel following the death of the country’s former president Shimon Peres.

Peres, who served twice as Israel's prime minister and once as president, died earlier today aged 93.

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said: "Shimon Peres was an utterly important figure in the history of Israel. He played an important role in creation of the state of Israel. A modern Israel is linked to his name.”

Peres was one of the last of a generation of Israeli politicians present at the new nation's birth in 1948.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his role negotiating peace accords with the Palestinians a year earlier.

Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili also offered his sympathies after the death of Peres.

"He was a politician who very well knew the price of peace, and he] worked tirelessly to bring peace to humans,” said Margvelashvili.

"Shimon Peres created a strong ground for further strengthening peace and stability in Israel and the region.”

"The existence of political figures of his calibre is becoming more and more important for the modern world and we believe his legacy will serve as an example for future state servants and new generations,” he said.

President Margvelashvili called Peres an "outstanding leader” and "great politician” who devoted his life to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts.

"I want to stress that the Georgian people have lost a great friend who played a significant role in strengthening the long-lasting friendship between our two nations,” Margvelashvili said.

A book of condolences was placed at the Israeli Embassy in Tbilisi for local officials and others to sign.

BBC reported Peres suffered a stroke two weeks ago. His condition improved before he suddenly deteriorated yesterday.

World figures are expected to attend his funeral in Jerusalem on Friday, including United States President Barack Obama, Prince Charles and Pope Francis.