SUVA, Dec. 31 -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has sent a message of sympathy to Indonesian President Joko Widodo for the passengers and crew of AirAsia flight QZ8501, the Fijian government said on Wednesday.

Bainimarama extended sympathy and support on behalf of the Fijian government and the people of Fiji, according to the Department of Information.

"The news about the missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 has been received with heartfelt sorrow here in Fiji as no doubt it has been around the world," Bainimarama said in the message.

"I wish to convey to you and indeed through your office to the families of the 162 passengers and flight crew, my government and the people of Fiji's sympathies and regrets at this tragic incident resulting in the loss of such precious lives," Bainimarama said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the people of Indonesia who no doubt would be standing as one in this moment of great sorrow and grief," the Fijian prime minister said. "I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the families in this difficult time."

The Singapore-bound Airbus A320-200 with 162 people on board lost contact with the Indonesian air traffic control 42 minutes after taking off from the city of Surabaya Sunday morning, and Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency confirmed Tuesday afternoon the debris found in the Karimata Strait is indeed from the ill-fated jetliner.