Russia is ready help China deal with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that killed at least 400 people, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday.
"If it is necessary we are ready to render friendly Chinese people aid on rectification of the consequences of the earthquake," Medvedev's message to Chinese President Hu Jintao said, according to the Kremlin press service.
A magnitude 7.1 temblor struck an area in southern Qinghai, near Tibet, on Wednesday morning and was followed by three quakes in the same area.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao, the governmental press service announced.
"It was with deep sorrow that I learned the powerful earthquake in Qingha province caused a large number of deaths and major destruction. On behalf of the Russian government and myself personally I express sincere condolences to the families of the dead and wish a quick recovery to injured," he said in a telegram.
MOSOCW, April 14 (RIA Novosti)
