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Putin expresses condolences over death of people in China tornado

The Russian president has also thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for words of compassion he had sent in connection with the death of children in the northwest of Russia

© Mikhail Klimentyev/TASS

TASHKENT, June 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday has expressed condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping over the death of people in China’s eastern province of Jiangsu as a result of a tornado, and thanked his Chinese counterpart for words of compassion over the death of Russian children in Karelia.

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"In the beginning of our meeting, I would like to express to you and the entire Chinese people my condolences over the fact that the tornado and hail killed many people in Jiangsu province," Putin said at the start of his meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tashkent.

He expressed confidence that the Chinese people would cope with the trouble.

"I would like to, in turn, thank you for words of compassion you sent us in connection with the death of children in the northwest of Russia," Putin continued.

Chinese media reported that the tornado that hit Jiangsu Thursday has killed 78 people and injured about 500.

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