ISLAMABAD, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Thursday said Pakistani people would stand by Chinese people at this difficult time of grief after a killer earthquake hit Southwest China.

    Gilani made the remarks while offering condolences on the losses China suffered in a disastrous earthquake in the southwestern Sichuan province on Monday.

    "We in Pakistan are greatly saddened at the loss of precious lives of our Chinese brothers due to the devastating earthquake," Gilani said in a message on a visitor's book at the Chinese embassy here.

    Pakistani people and Chinese people are time-tested friends, and the loss of the people of China is the loss of the people of Pakistan, Gilani said, adding that Pakistani people shared with Chinese people the sorrows.

    "We are with you; we'll stand by you," Gilani said, "Whatever we can do, we will do it for you."

    Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui thanked Gilani for coming to the embassy to offer condolences and share the feelings of Chinese people.

    "A friend in need is a friend indeed," Luo said. "Pakistani government and people always stand by us, we appreciate it," said Luo.

    The 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Sichuan Province Monday afternoon, leaving more than 14,000 people dead.