The message reads, in part:
"I was saddened to learn of the death of Juan Antonio Samaranch, the honorary president of the International Olympic Committee, a renowned diplomat and one of the most prominent figures in international sports.
"Samaranch's passing is great and irreplaceable loss for the Olympic community, and for all those who knew this bright, talented, friendly and gregarious person.
"It is difficult to overestimate Samaranch's contribution to the revival and growth of the Olympic Movement. He did everything in his power so that the Olympic ideals might bring people closer together. We will always remember him as a sincere and kind friend of Russia."