President Xi Jinping sent a sympathy message to French President Emmanuel Macron upon learning of the latter's COVID-19 infection.

Xi said in the message sent on Friday he would like to extend sympathy to Macron and wishes the French leader a speedy recovery.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi gave staunch support to the French government and people in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Xi said China is willing to work with France to advance anti-epidemic cooperation and contribute to global victory against the virus at an early date.

Macron took a test "as soon as the first symptoms appeared" on Thursday morning and will isolate himself for seven days but "will continue to work and carry out his activities remotely", the French presidency said in a statement.

A number of EU leaders, including European Council President Charles Michel, went into self-quarantine after having lunch with Macron one day earlier, Xinhua reported.