Mexican media have highlighted China's assistance in the fight against the Influenza A/H1N1 virus which has killed 19 Mexicans and sickened at least 454.

On Tuesday, Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a consolatory message to his Mexican counterpart Felipe Calderon on the Influenza A/H1N1 outbreak.

In the message, Hu said China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Mexico in addressing the challenges posed by the deadly influenza virus and China is ready to provide any necessary assistance.

The Chinese government on Thursday pledged US$5 million worth of humanitarian aid to Mexico, including one million dollars in cash and four million dollars in medical supplies.

The first load of the aid arrived Mexico City on Friday.

Hu's remarks have been frequently quoted by Mexican officials on several public occasions and by media reports.

A Mexican columnist wrote that in the current extremely difficult time, the Mexican people feel so consoled by the support from China.

The newspaper El Heraldo carried the report of "First load of China-donated relief supplies arrives in Mexico." In an editorial, it said that it was the first big batch of international aid arriving in Mexico and China provided timely help to the country.

The China-donated humanitarian aid, including masks, latex gloves, isolation coats, disinfectants and infrared thermometers, was received in a ceremony attended by President Calderon.

Calderon said at the ceremony that China's help was appreciated. He noted that sanitary security was not only an issue for Mexico but also for the entire world. The medical and sanitary facilities provided by China are precious at this moment.

Calderon said the measures China adopted to tackle the 2003 outbreak of SARS -- severe acute respiratory syndrome -- were helpful for Mexico to fight against Influenza A/H1N1.

(Xinhua News Agency May 3, 2009)