China's top legislator Wu Bangguo on Thursday extended gratitude to Asian and European lawmakers for their countries' support and help at the fifth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said China has received strong support and assistance of the international community of many Asian and European countries in relief operations of May 12 8.0-magnitude earthquake.

"Several countries have sent rescue and medical teams to work side by side with Chinese rescuers and doctors, which has fully demonstrated the friendship of the international community towards the Chinese people," he said.

He briefed the parliamentarians on China's efforts in quake relief and reconstruction.

"The entire nation has come together to make contribution to the rescue and relief effort in various ways," he said.

He also told the lawmakers that China has established a program under which 19 provinces would support the worst-hit cities and countries in Sichuan and neighboring provinces in their reconstruction effort.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2008)