Chinese president offers condolences to Iran over deadly port explosion
Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian following a deadly explosion at a sprawling port in Bandar Abbas, which killed 70 people and wounded more than 1,000 others.
Xi sent a message to his Iranian counterpart on Tuesday, Chinese media reported.
“I was shocked to hear of the severe explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, and the heavy casualties and financial losses it has caused,” the Chinese president said in his message.
“On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, the injured, and those affected,” he added.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also conveyed Beijing’s sorrow over the tragedy.
Iraq’s prime minister calls Pezeshkian to offer condolences
Also on Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani called Pezeshkian to offer condolences on behalf of the Iraqi government and people.
“I deeply regret this tragic incident at Shahid Rajaee Port. I had hoped our conversation would take place under different circumstances,” al-Sudani told the Iranian president.
He extended his condolences to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the president, and the Iranian people.
The Iraqi leader also assured Iran that Baghdad was ready to provide assistance.
A massive explosion rocked Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas on Saturday. Authorities said on Monday that the fire had been contained and port operations had returned to normal.
Pezeshkian, in his call with the Iraqi prime minister, expressed gratitude for Iraq’s solidarity and assured that efforts to determine the exact cause of the explosion were underway.
“Our priority has been containing the fire and stabilizing the situation, which is now under control thanks to emergency response teams,” the president said, adding that cleanup operations were ongoing and preventive measures were being taken to avoid future incidents.
The president also reaffirmed Iran’s strong ties with Iraq.
“We regard Iraq as a brotherly, friendly nation. We hope to stand by each other in all stages,” he said.
