A plane carrying first aid to quake victims left here this afternoon for China, said Jordan's Royal Hashemite Court on Monday.

The 10-ton shipment includes medical and food supplies and tents from both the public and private sectors, said Mohammad Majed Al Aitan, the Secretary General of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization.

Gong Xiaosheng, China's Ambassador to Jordan, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Chinese government to Jordan for the relief aid.

He said the gesture reflects Jordan's support for China in such dire conditions and will further enhance bilateral relations.

The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization has sought to strengthen the principles of justice and equality since it was founded in 1990. It has so far provided relief services to 18 countries and regions.

An 8.0-magnitude earthquake rocked China's southwest Sichuan Province last week, leaving more than 32,000 people dead and 240,000 injured so far.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)