Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent condolences to his Portuguese counterpart, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, over the devastating forest fires in Portual, which has claimed more than 40 lives since Sunday.

In the message of condolences, Xi said he is shocked to learn massive forest fires have raged in many parts of Portugal and caused heavy casualties and property losses.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people as well as in his own name, Xi extended deep condolences to the victims and heartfelt sympathy to the injured and the bereaved families.

The Chinese president expressed his belief that under the leadership of Rebelo de Sousa, the people in the fire-stricken areas could overcome the disaster and restore their homes as soon as possible.

Some 500 wild fires flared up across the north and center of the Mediterranean country on Sunday, killing over 42 people, according to Portuguese authorities.

More than 100 people have died in forest fires in Portugal in the last four months.

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