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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, met the Minister of Civil Affairs, Mr Li Xueju, this morning (June 24) in Beijing to learn more about reconstruction work in Sichuan after last month¡¦s earthquake.
During the meeting, Mr Li expressed appreciation for the generous donations and enthusiastic support from various sectors in Hong Kong to the victims and their families and to the reconstruction of the quake-affected areas. Mr Li also praised Hong Kong people for their benevolence and generosity.
Mr Li said that while there had been good progress with relief work, the situation in the quake areas was still serious. The resettling of more than 10 million people would be a challenge. Redevelopment work in the areas had just commenced. The Central Government and local governments would spare no effort in helping the quake-affected areas to rebuild the facilities and restore the productivity and people's livelihoods.
Mr Tsang said the Hong Kong administration and people of Hong Kong would continue to provide full support to the quake-affected areas and help the victims to rebuild their homeland.
Ends/Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:27
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