Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message of condolences on Friday to Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz over the heavy casualties caused by a stampede in the Muslim holy city of Mecca.

In the message, Hu, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, offered sincere sympathies to the king, the Saudi government and people.

At least 362 Muslim pilgrims, including four Chinese, were trampled to death and 289 others injured during a stoning ritual near Mecca on Thursday, according to initial statistics of Saudi health agencies.

After learning the casualties of Chinese citizens in the stampede, President Hu instructed relevant Chinese departments as well as the Chinese embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia to take measures to help the injured Chinese citizens and properly handle the aftermath.

Source: Xinhua