KABUL - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura learned with profound sadness of the sudden and untimely death of Richard Holbrooke.

Ambassador Holbrooke has been a friend of the United Nations here in Afghanistan and a first-class diplomat. Ambassador Holbrooke's efforts will always be remembered.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General was privileged to have worked closely with Ambassador Holbrooke where he demonstrated his unique diplomatic and leadership skills taking on tough challenges throughout his career.

The energy, vision and drive that Ambassador Holbrooke brought in particular to the role of the Special Representatives for Afghanistan and Pakistan has been instrumental in keeping a coherent international approach through the Special Representatives for Afghanistan and Pakistan mechanism.

On behalf of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan the Special Representative of the Secretary-General expresses his heartfelt condolences and prayers to Ambassador Holbrooke's family and friends on this sombre day. We shall all miss him.