Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent messages of sympathy to President of the European Council Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the COVID-19 outbreak.

In his messages, Xi stressed China's support for the EU's fight against the virus, reaffirming that China is willing to provide necessary assistance and enhance international cooperation on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

China always attaches great importance to its relations with the EU, noted Xi, adding that the two sides will work together to promote their comprehensive strategic partnership and contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity.

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Xi expresses sympathy in messages to ROK, Iran, Italy presidents over COVID-19 epidemic

The spread of the new coronavirus has seen a shift from China to the European continent in recent weeks and the World Health Organization has said that Europe is now the "epicenter" of the pandemic.

The virus has spread to all 27 EU states with Italy now the hardest-hit with over 17,000 infections and 1,200 deaths.

Xi earlier sent separate messages to his counterparts from the Republic of Korea (ROK), Iran and Italy, which are all seriously affected by the new coronavirus, and offered China's support.