President Xi offers condolences to Russian President Putin over St.Petersburg metro attack

Flowers are laid at the "Leningrad" stela to mourn the victims of an explosion in St. Petersburg, in Moscow, Russia, on April 3, 2017. At least 11 people had been killed and 51 others were injured in an explosion of an unknown explosive device with destructive elements in St. Petersburg. [Photo: Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping offered his condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in response to Monday's St. Petersburg metro attack that left at least 11 people killed and 51 others injured.

President Xi said that China condemned the terror attack which has caused serious casualties and would like to express deep condolences to the victims and their families. Chinese people stand firm with Russian people, Xi said.

China opposes all forms of terrorists and is willing to work with Russia and international community to strengthen cooperation in anti-terrorism, safeguarding the peace and security of the region and the world, Xi said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday sent a message of condolences to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev over the explosion.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday sent condolences to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

Wang Yi also expressed China's firm support for Russia to combat terrorism.