Lavrov expresses condolences to Chinese Foreign Minister over earthquake in Tibet

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed condolences to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi over the earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in southwest China. The Russian embassy in China said on January 7.

"Dear Mr. Wang Yi, please accept deep condolences in connection with the earthquake that occurred in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, which caused significant loss of life and destruction," Lavrov's Telegram channel of the diplomatic mission quoted Lavrov as saying.

The Russian Foreign Minister also asked to convey words of sincere sympathy to the families and friends of the victims and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.

The earthquake occurred on Tuesday, January 7, in China near the border with Nepal and Bangladesh. Underground tremors were recorded in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 km and at a distance of 63 km southwest of the city of Shigadze, which is inhabited by 80 thousand people.

At the moment there is no information about presence of Russian citizens in the earthquake zone in the south-west of China. The Russian Embassy is actively cooperating with the Chinese authorities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping in connection with the loss of life in the earthquake. He also said that Russia shares the grief of those who lost relatives and friends because of the disaster. Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko also expressed condolences.