Chinese president thanks int´l support on quake anniversary

Source: Xinhua | 05-12-2009 08:52

CHENGDU, Sichuan, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday expressed his appreciation of the world community for their strong support and valuable aid on the wake of last year's devastating earthquake in southwest China and called for further international cooperation in tackling major natural disasters.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C front) meets with envoys  and delegates of some countries and international  organizations, who come to attend the activities marking  the anniversary of last year's devastating earthquake in  the southwestern Sichuan Province, in Chengdu, capital of  Sichuan Province, May 11, 2009. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

"In face of grave natural disasters, the international community could support each other, enhance cooperation, join hands and jointly tackle the difficulties," Hu told some senior foreign diplomats who were invited to the capital of Sichuan Province on the anniversary of the quake.

The magnitude-8.0 quake that hit southwest China, including many parts of Sichuan, on May 12, killed more than 69,000 people, left nearly 18,000 missing, more than 374,000 injured and millions homeless.