LISBON - Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva on Friday sent condolences after the death of former South African president and Nobel Peace laureate Nelson Mandela.

In a message to his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma, Cavaco Silva described Mandela as "a major figure in South Africa and in world history."

"Nelson Mandela bequeaths an extraordinary legacy of universality that will last for many generations. His example of political courage, his moral stature and the trust he placed on the capability of reconciliation are true lessons of humanism," he said.

The president said Mandela's dedication to the values of democracy, freedom and equality filled the hearts of all who admired him, both in South Africa and globally.

He said the Nobel Peace Prize and Mandela's election to the position of president of South Africa were symbols of the recognition of the politician and a victory for worldwide human rights.

Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho said Mandela "represents an inspiring point of reference to future generations" as a great statesman and an unquestionable landmark in his time.

Nelson Mandela passed away peacefully on Thursday night in Johannesburg at the age of 95. The world-revered statesman spent 27 years in prison fighting against apartheid and led South Africa to a multi-racial democracy.