Chinese President Jiang Zemin sent a message to Turkish President Suleyman Demirel November 13 to express sympathy and solicitude for the people of Duzce in Bolu province, which was hit by a strong earthquake on November 12.

At least 100 people were killed and more than 1,640 others injured Friday in a 7.2-magnitude earthquake which hit the town of Duzce in the northwestern province of Bolu, about 200 kilometers away from capital Ankara.

In the message, Jiang said he was shocked to learn of the strong earthquake that had caused serious loss to the lives and properties of the people in the quake-stricken area.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my personal name, I would like to express our deep sympathy and sincere solicitude for your excellency, your government and the people of the disaster area," the Chinese president said.

Jiang believed that the Turkish people will soon overcome the aftermath of the earthquake and rebuild their homeland under the leadership of the Turkish government.