Chinese Ambassador to Russia Liu Guchang on Wednesday held a reception to thank the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry for its aid in the rescue and relief operation in southwest China's Sichuan Province, which was rocked by an 8-magnitude earthquake on May 12.

The earthquake caused massive damage and heavy casualties. In times of emergency, the government and people of Russia showed great support for the Chinese people, the ambassador said.

Russia is the first country to send humanitarian aid to the quake-hit region, and to invite students from the area to recuperate in its territory, Liu said, adding that it is also among the first to dispatch rescue and medical teams to China.

Liu expressed thanks to the Russian medical team members who had just completed a two-week rescue and relief operation in Sichuan and returned to Russia late Tuesday, saying their actions indicate the high level of China-Russia ties and the traditional friendship between the two peoples.

Chupriyan, deputy emergency situations minister, said Russia had launched large-scale rescue and relief operations in the wake of the devastating earthquake.

The aircraft of the ministry made 12 flights to China, carrying emergency aid to the disaster-stricken region.

Besides, the medical team treated 1,516 patients and carried out 102 operations and the rescue team rescued a survivor who had been trapped for 127 hours, according to the deputy minister.

It's a special experience, which has positive impact on the improvement of the rescue team's professional quality, Chupriyan said, adding that Russia will continue to provide aid to China in the aftermath of the earthquake, in an effort to further enhance bilateral ties.

(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2008)