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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), attended a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the Wenchuan earthquake in Yingxiu, Sichuan Province, today (May 12). He placed a flower in commemoration of victims of the earthquake and those who sacrificed their lives during the quake relief.
Mr Tang said, "Today is the first anniversary of the Wenchuan earthquake, and we express our deepest condolences to all victims of the earthquake and those who sacrificed their lives during the quake relief. Over the past year, the HKSAR Government, various sectors across the community and the public at large have given our full support to the quake relief and reconstruction work in Sichuan. This fully demonstrates that 'blood is thicker than water'.
"On my way to Yingxiu today, I saw the Chengdu-Wenchuan highway reopened, construction of permanent houses to resettle the homeless in full swing and the people living in the quake-hit area full of hope, and I can deeply feel the unity and perseverance of the Chinese people, and their confidence to rebuild their homes."
In Sichuan, Mr Tang met the Governor of Sichuan Province, Mr Jiang Jufeng, and the Executive Vice-governor, Mr Wei Hong. He conveyed Hong Kong people's best wishes and determination to support the reconstruction work. Both sides also reviewed the progress of Hong Kong's assistance programme and agreed to expedite the programme. They further agreed to convene a meeting of the "HKSAR's Participation in Restoration and Reconstruction Co-ordination Mechanism" soon.
Ends/Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:17
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