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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Wednesday expressed China's condolences to the tsunami-hit countries and said that China will increase its aid to the disaster-stricken countries.
Wen arrived in Jakarta Wednesday afternoon to attend a special summit of the ASEAN countries on tsunami which is due to be held Thursday.
Shortly after his arrival, Wen met with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyo, Maldive President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Foreign Minister Surakiat Sathirathai of Thailand and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.
Wen said that the international community and the countries hit by the tsunami disaster are now faced with a very serious challenge of disease-prevention and reconstruction and rehabilitation after the primary rescue operations have ended.
He said that China has decided to increase its aid to the tsunami-hit countries and the Chinese non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross and ordinary Chinese people have been mobilized to collect aid donations to the victims of the disaster.
Wen said that China regards the pains and difficulties of its neighbors as its own and the country will definitely meet all the promises it has made while considering new aid programs in accordance to the new needs of the disaster-hit countries.
The foreign leaders expressed their appreciation for the help being provided by China.
During his meeting with President Susilo Yudhoyo, Wen said that Indonesia suffered the heaviest losses during the tsunami disaster and China is deeply worried by the situation in the country.
He said that China will continue to provide aid to Indonesia and will send more medical teams to the country to help prevent an outbreak of diseases and cure the wounded in the disaster.
Wen said that China is also ready to help Indonesia repair roads, bridges, power stations, schools and hospitals. He also said that China would help Indonesia build earthquake-detecting facilities and train personnel in the field.
President Susilo Yudhoyo said Indonesia welcomes Chinese companies to come to participate in the reconstruction of the country's disaster-hit areas. He also expressed his hope that China can help train earthquake and tsunami detecting personnel for the country.
(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2005)
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