Chinese President Jiang Zemin sent a message of sympathy to his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika on December 24 for the victims of the devastating earthquake that rocked western Algeria on December 22.

"I am shocked to learn that an earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale has occurred in Oran region, inflicting casualties and material damage," Jiang said in the massage.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathies to your excellency, and through you, to the people in the quake-hit area."

Jiang said he is confident that the people in the affected area, under the leadership of Bouteflika and the Algerian government, will be able to overcome difficulties and rebuild their homeland.

The quake, which happened on Wednesday evening, killed at least 28 people.