China is ready to strengthen co-operation with the body for the purpose, Premier Wen Jiabao told the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on the sidelines of an emergency summit in the Indonesian capital Thursday.

Wen said China appreciates the UN's vigorous and timely response to the tsunami catastrophe.

"A key factor of the current aid drive is to ensure emergency relief proceeds efficiently, in good order and under sound co-ordination," said the premier.

In addition, reconstruction should be planned to restore normal life in the affected countries as soon as possible, he said.

Annan concurred with Wen's points and spoke highly of China's contribution to the disaster relief.

Wen also met separately with Indian Foreign Minister Jashwant Sinha Thursday.

The premier said China has offered some assistance to India, and will provide more in cash and in kind if necessary. In addition, the Chinese side is willing to co-operate with India on disaster relief, reconstruction and disease prevention.

(China Daily January 7, 2005)