China sends condolences to Iran, Iraq over deadly quake

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday offered his condolences to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Iraqi President Fuad Masum for the victims of Sunday night’s deadly Iran-Iraq border earthquake.

In his message to Rouhani, Xi said that he was shocked at the quake, which caused heavy causalities and property loss in Iran.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people, as well as in my own name, I offer my deep condolences to the victims... and offer my sincere sympathies to those injured and the families of the victims," Xi said.

"I believe that the Iranian people, under the leadership of you and your government, will surely overcome this difficulty and combat the disaster. The Chinese people stand firmly with the Iranian people during this difficult time," he added.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has also sent a message of condolence to his Iraqi counterpart Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

China is closely following the situation and willing to offer necessary assistance to the two countries in light of their needs, said Geng Shuang, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a daily press briefing on Tuesday.

The 7.3-magnitude quake rocked Iran and Iraq's northern border region, killing at least 430 people and leaving over 7,460 others injured.

(With inputs from Xinhua)