Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a message of condolences to the head of Chad's transitional military council Mahamat Idriss Deby, over the death of Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno.

In his message, President Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, expressed deep grief and extended sincere condolences to the Chadian government, people, and the relatives of late President Deby.

President Deby led the Chadian people to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, promote national economic and social development, and maintain regional peace and stability, Xi said.

During his lifetime, President Deby attached great importance to the development of relations with China, actively promoted exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, and made important contributions to the development of friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, he continued.

Xi added that he highly values the friendship between the peoples of China and Chad, and China is willing to work with Chad to promote bilateral ties for the benefit of the two countries and peoples.