The government and the people of China are highly overwhelmed by Pakistan's generous assistance for the quake affectees of Sichuan province. 'We are deeply touched and moved by the quick move by the Pakistani side, coming to their rescue', said a spokesman of Chinese embassy, Yao Jing on Friday.
Briefing newsmen on foreign countries' support to China in the wake of devastating earthquake, he said, 'Pakistan was the first country that extended highly valuable support to the quake victims', Chinese people and the media, while recognising foreign 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, he added.
The two countries have always reciprocated in the same manner at the time of need during the last 57 years, said Jing who is also the Deputy Chief of Chinese mission in Pakistan. In total, the spokesman said, Pakistan sent in 30,000 tents along with food, life saving drugs and other essential supplies, besides cash of half a million dollars totalling the aid worth $2 million.
Also a 28 member Pakistani medical team comprising doctors and nurses rushed immediately after the tragedy and treated hundreds of victims in a field hospital. The spokesman pointed out that Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani personally visited the Chinese embassy to condole with the ambassador over the natural disaster. Jing read out messages posted by the Chinese citizens on Internet to express their sentiments of gratitude for Pakistan government and the people.