TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sympathy with China over the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.

The virus which first broke out in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province in China, has killed over 300 people in the Asian country.

On Sunday, Philippines became the first country to record death from the virus outside China.

In a statement, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari as saying that it was only a matter of time “before this nightmare passes.”

Buhari thanked Nigerians for their hospitality to Chinese nationals in the country.

“President Muhammadu Buhari extends his good wishes to President Xi Jinping and citizens of the Peoples Republic of China during this trying time,” the statement by Shehu read.

“China’s efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus have been exemplary, as well as the country’s collaboration with international agencies and other countries on the matter.

“President Buhari notes that China has been exceptionally supportive of Nigeria and Africa, and even more so in recent years; therefore, it is important to let China know that Nigeria and her citizens are also standing by them during this outbreak.

“With all the efforts being put in, we know that it is only a matter of time before this nightmare passes. He prays that God will comfort the Chinese and others who have already lost family members and loved ones to the disease.”