President Xi Jinping sent condolences on Wednesday to Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, head of Chad's transitional military council, over the passing of Chadian president Idriss Deby.

In the name of the Chinese government and people and in his own name, Xi expressed his deep condolences over Deby's sudden death, and his sincere sympathy to the Chadian government and people as well as the family members of late president Deby.

Deby had led the people of Chad in defending its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, Xi said, adding that the late president had advanced the country's economic and social development and maintained regional peace and stability.

Xi also praised Deby's important contributions to the development of China-Chad friendly cooperation, saying that Deby attached great importance to developing Chad's relations with China and had actively pushed forward bilateral exchanges and cooperation in all areas.

The Chinese president said that he highly values the friendship between the two peoples and China stands ready to work with Chad to carry forward bilateral relations in order to benefit the two countries and their peoples.

Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who is also the son of Deby, assumed the functions of Chadian president after Deby, 68, died on April 20 following injuries received at the front line when he commanded fighting against rebels from Libya.

On April 19, Deby had been declared winner of the nation's presidential election for a sixth term.

In 2018, Deby attended the 2018 Forum of China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing.