President Xi Jinping extended a message of sympathy on Thursday to Russian President Vladimir Putin over a plane crash in Russia's Far East that killed all 49 people on board.

Xi said in the message that he was shocked to learn about the plane crash in Russia's Amur Region, which caused major casualties.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, the president extended deep condolences over the loss of lives and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families.

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There were 43 passengers and six crew members on board the An-24 aircraft, operated by Angara Airlines, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The Chinese Consulate General in Khabarovsk confirmed that one Chinese citizen was aboard the passenger plane.

Contact the writer at xuwei@chinadaily.com.cn