Musharraf expresses condolences over earthquake losses in China

Source: Xinhua | 05-14-2008 21:28

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ISLAMABAD, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf visited the Chinese embassy here Wednesday to express condolences over losses from Monday's earthquake in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf speaks at the Chinese embassy to Pakistan in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, May 14, 2008. Musharraf visited the Chinese embassy Wednesday to  express condolences over losses from Monday's earthquake in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan.(Xinhua Photo)

"My heart goes out to the people of China who have suffered the devastating loss of life and property from the earthquake. The people of Pakistan in unison express their grief and total solidarity with their Chinese brethren. We pray that you may surmount the misery," Musharraf wrote on the visitor's book at the embassy.

He told the embassy officials that the news of earthquake in China came as a shock to the people of Pakistan and they felt sympathetic with their Chinese brothers at the moment of sadness because they suffered the similar tragedy and knew the devastation caused by such calamities.

Musharraf said that the Pakistani people would never forget China's relief aid to Pakistan after the October 2005 earthquake and would provide immediate help to the earthquake-affected people in China.

He was confident that like Pakistan, China would also be able to convert this challenge into an opportunity by providing better facilities to the affected people.

Chinese ambassador Luo Zhaohui thanked Pakistan for its support and noted that both the president and the prime minister sent message of sympathy and condolences immediately after the quake.

Luo expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani people and the government for their concern and offer of relief assistance.

 

Editor:Xiong Qu