Foreign governments and leaders from around the world have expressed their condolences for the earthquake victims.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin arrives for the mourning held for the quake victims at the Chinese Embassy in Moscow, on May 19, 2008. Alexei Borodavkin attended the mourning held in Moscow on Monday for the victims of the 8.0-magnitude quake hitting southwest and northwest China on May 12. (Xinhua Photo)
On the first day of China's three-day national mourning, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin went to the Chinese Embassy in Moscow and the Russian Ambassador to China Sergey Razov visited the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing. They expressed their deep sympathy to quake victims and gave their support for relief efforts.
On Monday and Tuesday, more than 200 politicians and diplomats based in Russia went to the Chinese embassy to express their condolences.
Over the last week, Russia has dispatched 7 aircrafts and transported 150 tons of relief supplies to China. They have also sent a 49-member rescue team to the quake affected area.
In Egypt, over 100 people visited the Chinese embassy in Cairo on Tuesday. They include diplomats from New Zealand, Burundi, Qatar and Turkey. They all conveyed their deep sorrow to the Chinese people. In their condolence messages, they said they believe the Chinese people will overcome the difficulties and will rebuild their homes.
Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said Thailand believes China will recover from the disaster. He has donated 500,000 US dollars on behalf of the Thai government, to China's quake-hit Sichuan Province.
Noppadon Pattama, Thai Foreign Minister said "We believe the disaster will not affect the Beijing Olympics. August the 8th 2008 is a date all Asians are looking forward to. Our Prime Minister will attend the Games opening ceremony."
Brazil's Presidential representative visited the Chinese embassy in Brasilia to express his condolences. Many other foreign leaders also expressed their sympathy to China's earthquake victims.
(CCTV May 21, 2008)