UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said he was saddened by the death of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of former President George Herbert Walker Bush, a leader who served the United States with distinction and supported the United Nations with dedication," the UN chief said in a statement issued by his spokesman's office.

"Beginning with his posting as United States permanent representative to the United Nations in 1971 and continuing through his appointment as the secretary-general's special envoy for the South Asia earthquake disaster in 2005, George H. W. Bush worked productively with and through the United Nations," Guterres said.

"Across the years I was consistently impressed by his compassion, instinct for moderation and commitment to public service. At this time of loss, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the government and people of the United States," he added.

George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died Friday at the age of 94, according to a statement from his office.