Premier Wen Jiabao on Saturday expressed gratitude to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the organization's help in China's quake relief.
"Our meeting is extraordinary here in Wenchuan County, the epicenter of the 8.0-magnitude earthquake on May 12," Wen told Ban.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon answer questions from journalists from home and abroad in Yingxiu Town, Wenchuan County in the quake-stricken Sichuan Province, on Saturday, May 24, 2008. Ban Ki-moon arrived in Yingxiu Town Saturday morning to visit victims of the May 12 Sichuan earthquake. (Xinhua Photo)
The UN chief arrived in Chengdu, capital of quake-stricken Sichuan Province, Saturday morning and rushed to Yingxiu town in Wenchuan.
"On behalf of the Chinese people, I thank you for coming to the quake zone and extending your sympathy to the victims," Wen said.
While briefing Ban on China's earthquake relief work, Wen said that the country appreciates the efforts of the international community to offer rescuers, funds and materials to the quake zone.
"All these moves, including the UN emergency relief efforts, showcase all people's friendly feelings for China and their lofty humanitarian spirits," Wen said.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (Front 1st L) and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (Front 2nd L) attend a press conference after meeting at Yingxiu township of Wenchuan County, quake-hit southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 24, 2008. Wen Jiabao met with Ban Ki-moon at Yingxiu township on Saturday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) (Xinhua Photo)
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd, R) and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (2nd, L) attend a press conference after meeting at Yingxiu township of Wenchuan County, quake-hit southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 24, 2008. Wen Jiabao met with Ban Ki-moon at Yingxiu township on Saturday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Wen told reporters around that this earthquake is historically rare in terms of its intensity, extension and destruction. Rescuers from all parts of the country have arrived in quake-hit areas as soon as possible and quickly started rescue and relief work, finding and saving more than 60,000 people within a few days.