Xi sends condolences to Indonesian president over flooding

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a message of condolence to Indonesian President Joko Widodo over the recent deadly floods in the southeast Asian country.

More than 100 people have been killed in flash floods and landslides in the eastern Indonesian province of Papua, and dozens of others are still missing, according to Indonesian officials and rescuers.

Indonesian police and soldiers search for residents who need assistance at a flooded neighborhood in Sentani, Papua Province, Indonesia, Monday, March 18, 2019. [File Photo: AP]

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, Xi expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives, and extended sincere sympathies to the families of the victims and the missing.

"Our sympathies lay with the Indonesian people," Xi said, adding that he is confident that under the firm leadership of the Indonesian president and government, the Indonesian people will certainly overcome difficulties and rebuild their homeland.