(VOVworld) - Tens of thousands of South Africans and international friends joined 100 heads of state and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon for a national memorial service for Nelson Mandela. The service was held in Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. A Vietnamese delegation was led by Dao Viet Trung, Head of the Presidential Office and special envoy of Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang. Speaking at the service yesterday, South African President Jacob Zuma described Mandela's passing as a moment of deepest sorrow for South Africa and the world. He said the world will always respect Mandela’s long fight for freedom.

People holding portrait of Nelson Mandela. Photo: AFP

Ban gave his deepest condolence to the family of Mandela and the people of South Africa. He said South Africa has lost a hero, and the world has lost a beloved friend and mentor, appraising President Mandela as one the greatest leaders of all time. US President Barack Obama said Mandela’s struggle for peace was the world’s victory and described Mandela as a giant of history who inspired the world.