Vanuatu PM thanks China for timely cyclone relief assistance

The Chinese embassy in Vanuatu has received heartfelt gratitude from Prime Minister Joe Natuman after delivering China's first-batch cyclone relief supplies to the Vanuatu government, embassy officials told Xinhua on Wednesday.

Li Cuiying, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy, delivered the relief supplies on Tuesday afternoon to Natuman.

Li said the cyclone-hit island country sustained massive loss of lives and extensive property damage, and China is willing to provide necessary assistance to Vanuatu.

China will continue to pay close attention to Vanuatu's disastrous situation, and will provide more assistance depending on the development of the situation, said Li.

On behalf of the government and people of Vanuatu, Natuman expressed his heartfelt gratitude to China for timely help.

A friend is need is a friend in deed, Natuman said, adding that China's timely disaster relief assistance shows again that the friendship between the peoples of China and Vanuatu can withstand the test of trials and hardships.

Cyclone Pam tore through Vanuatu over the weekend, claiming at least 24 lives, razing homes, smashing boats and destroying crops. The government has declared a state of emergency in parts of the country. Endi