By NNN-APP,
Beijing : The government and the people of China were greatly acclaimed by generous assistance of Pakistan for the May 12 devastated earthquake victims of Sichuan province.
These views were expressed by Executive Vice-Premier Li Keqiang, one of the key leaders at Chinese hierarchy, at a farewell meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to China and incumbent Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir here.
Talking to APP on Sunday, Salman Bashir said that China was deeply touched and moved by the quick relief assistance sent by Pakistan for the quake affected people of Sichuan province.
Li Keqiang said Pakistani gesture was a true sign of friendship and it proved once again that Pak-Sino friendship was time tested and mutually beneficial.
The two countries have always reciprocated in the same manner at the time of need in the past, he noted.
Salman Bashir, who is busy here holding farewell meetings with top Chinese leaders, said that they all lauded that Pakistan was the first country that extended highly valuable support to the quake victims.
Salman Bashir said that the Chinese people and the media, while recognizing participation in the rescue operation, found Pakistan as its most trusted and reliable friend coming to their help in the most quick and generous manner.
The Foreign Secretary pointed out that during his meeting, Li Keqiang expressed the determination that with the passage of time the all weather, ever green, time tested friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China will further grow and strengthen.
In total, Pakistan had sent 30,000 tents besides food, life saving drugs and other essential supplies. Pakistan gave aid in cash of half a million dollars while the total aid was worth $ two million.
A 28-member Pakistani medical team comprising doctors and nurses were rushed after the tragedy and treated hundreds of victims in its field hospital.
Chinese President Hu Jintao also paid a special visit to the camp of Pakistani doctors and lauded their services. Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir is scheduled to leave here for Islamabad on Monday.