Xi sends condolences to Mexican president over pipeline blast

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday sent a message of condolences to his Mexican counterpart Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador over a deadly pipeline blast that has killed at least 79 people.

This handout photo distributed by the Mexican Secretary of National Defence (Secretaria de Defensa Nacional) shows Mexican soldiers standing guard near a fire after a leaking gas pipeline triggered a blaze in Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo state, on January 18, 2019. [Photo: Handout / SECRETARIA DE DEFENSA NACIONAL / AFP]

In his message, Xi said he was shocked to learn of a fuel pipeline explosion in central Mexico that has caused heavy casualties.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, as well as in his own name, Xi extended his deep condolences to the victims and sympathy to their families and the injured people.

Xi said he wishes a quick recovery for the injured, and expressed China's readiness to provide necessary help.