A three-day national mourning has begun in Austria after the country was "stricken at the heart" by a mass school shooting earlier in the morning.
The shooting took place Tuesday at the BORG Dreierschutzengasse high school in Austria's second-largest city of Graz.
Local media report that at least 11 people, including the gunman, were killed in the attack. Police identified the suspected shooter as a 22-year-old former student of the school.
The tragedy has left the community in shock. At a main square in Graz, residents gathered to light candles and pay tribute to the victims.
"I felt like no one can really breathe. It's hard," said a local resident.
Parents of surviving students expressed relief and gratitude, but also anger that such violence could occur.
"Unbelievable, at first we didn't even realize what was happening. And when my son told me everything on the phone, I just thought: Thank God I can hear him, thank God I have his voice in my ear," said mother of a surviving student.
Austria has one of the most heavily armed civilian populations in Europe. In the aftermath of the shooting, some politicians are calling for stricter gun control laws.
Austria observes 3-day national mourning after mass school shooting
Austria observes 3-day national mourning after mass school shooting
Austria observes 3-day national mourning after mass school shooting
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
