The Foreign Ministry has mourned the death of renowned poet Abdel Rahman el Abnoudi who breathed his last on Tuesday after a long illness at the age of 76.

The ministry extended its condolences to his family, said a statement on Thursday.

The ministry described Abnoudi as "one of the most important poets who maintained the popular heritage".

Abnoudi's funeral was held on Wednesday at the Suez Canal city of Ismailia.