Several Latin American countries offered their condolences to China following Monday's strong earthquake in southwest Sichuan province that has killed more than 9,200 people.

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez sent a message to Chinese President Hu Jintao expressing her condolences over "the tragic earthquake", while Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana conveyed Argentina's "most heartfelt condolences" to China's government and people in a message to his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.

In a message to President Hu, Mexico's President Felipe Calderon expressed solidarity with China and his condolences for the thousands of victims of the quake that struck Sichuan province in southwest China Monday afternoon.

Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister Lourdes Aranda called Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Yin Hengmin to offer her condolences, saying Mexico is ready to help China in its rescue efforts.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva offered the "deep condolences of the Brazilian government and people" in his message to President Hu.

The Costa Rican Foreign Ministry issued a statement to offer condolences and express solidarity with China, along with the belief that the Chinese government and people will overcome the difficulties arising from the quake.

The Colombian government issued a statement to express "deep grief and sympathy" to the families of the quake victims. Colombia will closely follow the rescue efforts in the quake-hit area, the statement said.

Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez and Vice President Rodolfo Nin Novoa also offered sincere condolences to China following the quake.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2008)