LUSAKA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's cabinet convened on Friday to honor and pay tribute to former President Edgar Lungu, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 68.

President Hakainde Hichilema said the cabinet met in solemn remembrance of the country's sixth president.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family, loved ones, and the entire nation during this time of sorrow," Hichilema said in a post on his Facebook page.

Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Zambia Beatrice Mutali said the UN had learned with deep regret and sadness of Lungu's death.

In a statement, she noted that Lungu served Zambia with dedication and would be remembered for the country's active participation in the UN, his leadership in the fight against gender-based violence and child marriage, and his advocacy for gender equality and greater women's representation in key decision-making positions.

Lungu died earlier on Thursday while receiving specialized medical treatment at Mediclinic Medforum Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital.

He served as Zambia's president from January 2015 to August 2021. ■