Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday offered condolences to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over a deadly fire that took place in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Xi, noting that the building fire in Johannesburg had caused heavy casualties, offered sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured on behalf of the Chinese government and people.
He said that in the face of the disaster, the Chinese side stood firmly by the South African government and people.
The Chinese President said he believed that, under the strong leadership of President Ramaphosa and the South African government, the South African people would be able to overcome the difficulties.
Reports had said that 12 children were among dozens that were killed in the fire that razed a five-storey building in central Johannesburg.
Emergency officials said that 61 other persons were injured and treated in hospital following the deadly fire.
Xinhua
