FNA - Renowned Iranian director Majid Majidi issued a public letter where he extended sympathy to the people of China whose country has been gravely hit by a lethal disease, coronavirus epidemic, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 250 people.

In a letter issued by China International Radio on Friday, Majidi said I know you are going through very difficult days and moments.

I want you to know that the hearts of all the people of the world, specially the Iranian people, are with you, he added.

All the moment I remember you and the innocent children of China. Certainly, these bitter and dark days will be over, and I am sure you, the great people of China, as you have proven throughout history to be a hard-working, struggling nation, will prevail over this great human tragedy.

The renowned Iranian director wrote that with your perseverance, you bring hope and life back to China. I wish you all dear health and success. Long live the great people of China.

Majidi also said in an interview with the Chinese media that he is soon preparing a film on the struggle and cooperation of Chinese people, children and families to fight the disease.

China International Radio described Majidi as a renowned Iranian and world director whose films have won many international accolades.

He is a longtime friend of the Chinese people and has traveled to China many times, the media added.

Wuhan is in virtual lockdown, and nearly all flights at the city's airport have been canceled and checkpoints block the main roads leading out of town. Authorities have imposed similar lockdowns on more than 10 cities near Wuhan as part of the ongoing containment effort.

The coronavirus has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003. Like SARS, it can spread among people through the respiratory tract. The first case of the new virus was confirmed on December 31, 2019.

The virus has since been detected in Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and the United States.

The Coronavirus was first seen in late December 2019 in Wuhan, central China.