A concert in memory of the victims of the earthquake that hit China, leaving 70,000 victims, was held on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where foreign minister Tonio Borg presented a €23,000 donation on behalf of the government to the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Chai Xi.
Borg described Malta’s relationship with China as one of mutual understanding and assistance. “The People’s Republic of China has always been of assistance in Malta’s development. It is only appropriate that today, even Malta plays its small part towards the reconstruction of the area hit by the Earthquake on May 12,” Borg said.
“Apart from this government contribution, the Management Committee of the Tsunami Fund will also be making a contribution of €23,000 for the needs of victims of the 12th May earthquake.
“What we are offering today from our people to your people is, a drop in the ocean; but it is a drop which comes from the warm heart of a country which will always strive to keep our relationship dynamic and fruit-bearing,” Borg said.
Rebuilding China’s earthquake-devastated areas is expected to cost $147 billion: 3,400 primary schools will be re-built, while 2,600 others will be repaired; the plan of the Chinese government also calls for 3 million new homes in rural areas, and 860,000 new apartments in the quake-hit areas.
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