China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) expressed condolences to Myanmar on Saturday after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the country Thursday.

Yao Jian, a MOC spokesman, said the ministry extended condolences to victims of the disaster and paid tribute to workers conducting rescue and disaster relief operations in the country.

Yao said China and Myanmar are friendly neighbors, and that China is willing to provide Myanmar with any necessary assistance.

Myanmar authorities said the death toll from Thursday's major earthquake has reached 73, while 125 others were injured as of Friday night.