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Press Release
Statement by
Official Spokesperson on Arrival of first
Indian flight with relief supplies for earthquake victims in
Chengdu, China (New
Delhi; May 17, 2008)
As
an expression of sympathy and support of the people of India for those
affected by the devastating Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China, the
Government of India had on May 15 announced an assistance of US$ 5
million. The offer was conveyed by the External Affairs Minister of
India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China
Mr. Yang Jiechi during their meeting in Yekaterinberg on May 15. The
Chinese Foreign Minister welcomed the offer.
The first Indian Airforce aircraft carrying tents, blankets and other
relief material arrived at Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province
which is close to the epicenter of the earthquake at 1745 hours today.
The Ambassador of India Mrs. Nirupama Rao, Consul General of India,
Guangzhou, Mr. Gautam Bambawale, along with officials of the Sichuan
Government were present at the airport. While receiving the consignment
Mr. Ran Jinjun, a senior official of the Civil Affairs Bureau of the
Sichuan Provincial People's Government, said that they were deeply
grateful to the friendly people of India and the Government of India for
their timely assistance which had arrived so soon following the
earthquake. The consignment was immediately transferred to the affected
areas.
The second Indian Airforce relief aircraft is expected to reach Chengdu
on Monday May 19 and would carry additional relief supplies including
medicines, tents and sleeping bags. Further relief flights will follow
thereafter.
New Delhi
May 17, 2008 |
