An Israeli cargo plane carrying relief materials left the country on Sunday, heading for the quake-hit Sichuan Province in southwest China.

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni (1st R) speaks as Chinese Ambassador to Israel Zhao Jun (1st L) looks on during the shipment ceremony of relief materials at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv May 25, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

"We would like to send our condolences to the people of China, and to try to help as far as we can, in order to express the friendship and understanding between our peoples," said Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni at a ceremony at Ben Gurion international airport before the plane took off.

Chinese Ambassador to Israel Zhao Jun thanked the Israeli government and people for their "cordial affection and generous assistance," saying that the friendship between the two friendly nations will be carried on from generation to generation.

"We believe that with the leadership of the Chinese government, the unswerving efforts of the Chinese people, and the assistance and support from governments and people all over the world, peoplein the disaster-stricken areas will make marvelous achievements in overcoming difficulties and rebuilding constructing their homeland," Zhao said.

The second batch of Israel-donated aid, worth 1.5 million U.S. dollars, includes tents, blankets, water-cleaning devices and other materials. It will arrive at Sichuan Province Monday, following the first batch delivered last week.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2008)