Surikov, 68, was found dead on Saturday night at his official residence in the Mozambican capital, Maputo, local media reported.

The cause of his death remains unknown.

The office of Mozambique’s public prosecutor has said that it was unaware of the alleged refusal by Russian authorities to conduct an autopsy on the body of the ambassador as reported by local media.

In a statement, President Filipe Nyusi said Surikov's death left a "huge void", describing him as a dedicated diplomat with exceptional qualities, local media reported.

Surikov was appointed to the position in 2017.