President Jacob Zuma conveys condolences to the Government and the people of the People’s Republic of China.

His Excellency President Jacob Zuma today, 15 April 2010, conveyed heartfelt condolences to President Hu Jintao, the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China following a strong earthquake that struck China's western Qinghai province Wednesday on 14 April 2010 killing more than 600 people and leaving scores injured and displaced.

President Jacob Zuma said: “On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to President Hu Jintao, the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese people during these trying moments following the earth quake that wreaked havoc and resulted in untold distress in China’s Province of Qinghai.”

“It is unfortunate that natural disasters have become a common phenomenon around the world and continue to gravely afflict humanity at a time when people experience a myriad of development challenges.”

“I have all the confidence that the Chinese authorities will deploy all the necessary efforts to save more lives in this disaster and bring the much needed relief to the affected communities,” concluded President Zuma.

For more information contact Mahlatse Mminele on 082 8899 432

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X152
Pretoria.
15 April 2010.