Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing extended sympathy and cordial regards to the tsunami-hit countries during a phone conversation with his counterparts in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand on behalf of Chinese leaders, Friday.

The message, from President Hu Jintao, Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman Jia Qinglin of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), expressed the most profound sympathy and regards to these countries for a tremendous loss of life and property damage incurred by catastrophic earthquake and ensuing tsunami, said Li.

The leaders also voiced in their message their heartfelt thanks to these countries' rescue efforts of Chinese citizens stranded in the region, Li said.

Meanwhile, Li also said the Chinese government will do its utmost to offer any help to those in need and help people of the victimized nations to rebuild their homes.

The foreign ministers said they appreciated China's aid, and spoke highly of Chinese leaders, government and people's stance of: "we are in the same boat."

(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2005)