国内英语新闻:Chinese, Russian presidents confer on disasters, bilateral ties

BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev discussed disasters and bilateral relations during a telephone conversation Tuesday.

Medvedev conveyed his heartfelt condolences to China over its worst mudslides in decades and the great loss of life and property, expressing belief the Chinese government and people would overcome all difficulties and prevail over the disaster.

He hoped the people injured would make a quick recovery and the mudslides-hit area would rebuild soon, noting that Russia was willing to provide assistance and support for China.

Hu said the Chinese government had reacted immediately to the disaster in Zhouqu County of China's Gansu Province and was fully focused on the rescue and relief operations.

Safeguarding the safety of civilians was the Chinese government's top priority and it had tried its best to rescue the people stricken by the Aug. 8 mudslides, which have left 1,254 people killed and 490 others missing so far, he said.

Currently, relocation of the people affected, rescue and treatment of the injured, epidemic prevention, and reconstruction of infrastructure were underway in an urgent but orderly manner, he said.

Hu also expressed China's appreciation of the Russian government and people after President Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had been quick to send their condolences and offered help, respectively.

China was also greatly concerned by Russia's deadly wildfires and identified with Russia over its great loss of life and property, said the Chinese president, adding that China had offered assistance.

Under the staunch leadership of the Russian government, the Russian people did their best to fight the wildfire and effectively safeguarded the safety of its people and property, said Hu, who once again sent condolences to Russia on behalf of the Chinese government and people.