Russian permanent ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Vitaly Churkin has died suddenly on morning in New York.

According to a report by AFP, Churkin apparently was suffering from heart problems, diplomatic sources said.

"On February 20, the Permanent Representative of Russia in the UN Vitaly Churkin unexpectedly died in New York," Russian foreign Ministry statement said.
Russian government calls him an outstanding diplomat.

Churkin was 64 and died one day before turning 65, the ministry said, offering condolences to his family. "The outstanding Russian diplomat passed away on his post," statement said.

Churkin had served in the role since 2006. Previously he worked at the foreign ministry in Moscow, served as an envoy to Canada (1998-2003), Belgium (1994-1998) and as a special representative to the talks on former Yugoslavia (1992-1994).

Diplomats at the UN headquarters observed a moment of silence, AFP reported.

UN spokesman Farhan Haq, who heard the news during the regular daily briefing, offered his condolences, adding: "We mourn Ambassador Churkin. He has been such a regular presence here that I'm actually quite stunned."