Chinese president Hu Jintao thanks world for quake aid

Click for more news in World Wide Watch>>

President Hu Jintao has again thanked the international community on behalf of the country for lending assistance in the aftermath of last year's earthquake.

Chinese President Hu Jintao speaks during the  ceremony marking the first anniversary of May  12 Earthquake in Yingxiu Township of Wenchuan  County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, May  12, 2009. China held a commemorative service  Tuesday afternoon at the epicenter of last  year's massive earthquake that left more than 87,000 people dead or missing. (Xinhua/Fan Rujun)

President Hu Jintao was speaking on the eve of the quake's one-year anniversary to a group of foreign diplomats, who were in the Sichuan province capital of Chengdu for a memorial service.

President Hu said more than 160 countries and many international organizations provided generous funds and material assistance. And Hu Jintao added that China has put the international donations to good use.

President Hu Jintao also took the chance to call for further international cooperation in tackling major natural disasters.