Xi sends condolences to Iraqi president over earthquake

A local resident inspects a collapsed building in the town of Darbandikhan, Sulaimaniyah province, northern Iraq, on Nov. 13, 2017.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a message of condolences to his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Masum, over the deadly earthquake that hit Iraq-Iran border.

Xi said he was shocked at the strong earthquake that has caused causalities and property damage in Iraq.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my own name, I express deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy for the families of the victims and the injured," Xi said.

"I believe that the Iraqi people, under the leadership of Mr. president and the Iraqi government, will surely overcome the disaster and rebuild their home," he added.

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck the area along the northern border between Iran and Iraq on Sunday, leaving at least 445 people dead and over 7,100 others injured.