On Monday May 19, the Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Yang Jiechi talked to the Norwegian Foreign Minister Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre through the phone. Minister Støre extended his deep condolence to the victims of the Sichuan earthquake and sincere sympathy to the people in the disastrous area. Minister Støre also expressed the willingness of the Norwegian side to provide further assistance.

Minister Yang expressed the gratitude to the Norwegian people for their sympathy and donation. He said that the Chinese Government is now mobilizing all the resources available for the rescue work, and confirmed that, under the strong leadership of the Chinese Government, with the full support of the Chinese people and the international community, China would be able to overcome the difficulties and rebuild homes.