Chinese President Expresses Condolences Following New Zealand Shootings

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences over a mass shooting in two mosques in New Zealand, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Friday in a statement

BEIJING (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th March, 2019) Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences over a mass shooting in two mosques in New Zealand, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Friday in a statement.

Earlier on Friday, a gunman opened fire at two mosques in the city of Christchurch. At least 49 people have been killed, according to media reports, and more than 40 others have been injured. Three people suspected of involvement in the attack have been detained and one person has been charged with murder. The country's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the shooting a terrorist act, saying it was the country's "darkest day.

"

"On behalf of all the Chinese people, the Chinese government and myself, I would like to express my deepest sincere condolences to the people and government of New Zealand. We mourn the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured," Xi wrote in his telegram to Governor-General of New Zealand Patsy Reddy, as quoted in the statement.

The Chinese leader also said that he was shocked to hear of such a terrible incident.

In turn, Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also offered their condolences to New Zealand.