The message said:
“Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Astrid Lindgren.
“Her writing is not only part of Swedish literature. Her wondrously radiant and witty stories have helped to bring up several generations of children in many countries. They are well known and loved in Russia.
“Her books, which teach us to enjoy life and fantasize, to appreciate kindness and friendship, will be the best memory of Astrid Lindgren, a wonderful writer and a really great story-teller.”