(BRUSSELS) - European Union nations on Tuesday said they "stand ready" to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims of the massive earthquake in southern China as soon as conditions permit.

EU development ministers issued a joint statement, after talks in Brussels, offering their "deepest condolences to the people of China for the massive loss of life and devastation" caused by the quake.

"We share the grief of all those who have lost loved ones and express our heartfelt sympathies to those who have been injured and suffered heavy material losses in this catastrophe," they added.

"The European Union, noting China's readiness to welcome foreign assistance, stands ready to provide it as soon as conditions on the ground permit it," the statement concluded.

China's biggest earthquake for a generation has left tens of thousands dead, missing or buried under rubble.

Chinese troops and rescue teams struggled by air, land and water to reach areas of southwestern China hardest hit by Monday's massive 7.9-magnitude quake which demolished schools, homes and factories.

Earlier Tuesday European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso, in a letter, conveyed to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao "his condolences for the victims and the solidarity of the people of Europe with the people of China at this moment."

He said "the European Union is ready to support his (Wen's) work in whatever way it can and our humanitarian experts are already on standby to assist if the need arises," according to his spokeswoman.

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