The Greek government has expressed sincere condolences, solidarity and readiness to provide any assistance needed over the Sichuan earthquake, the Chinese embassy to Greece said on Sunday.

Accoroding to an official of the Chinese embassy, "upon instructions by Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos,"

General Secretary ambassador Anastasios Mitsialis contacted Chinese Ambassador to Athens Du Qiwen to convey Greece's sincere condolences for the victims of the destructive tremor.

"The General Secretary expressed to the Chinese ambassador the support and solidarity of the Greek people with the Chinese people in these difficult hours, and Greece's readiness to provide any help needed," the official said.

A strong quake in southwest China's Sichuan Province has left 181 people dead, 24 missing up to date, and over 6,700 injured, including 494 in serious condition. The quake hit Lushan County of Ya'an, southwest China's Sichuan Province at 8:02 a.m. Saturday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.