Chinese PM thanks Malta for evacuation help

The Chinese Prime Minister has written to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi to thank Malta for its assistance in the evacuation of Chinese nationals from Libya.

In his message, conveyed by Ambassador Zhang Keyuan, the Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, said:

"I would like to extend through H.E. Ambassador Zhang Keyuan, sincere gratitude from the Chinese government and Chinese people to the Maltese Government for the kind assistance you have lent to us in the process of evacuating Chinese nationals from Libya.

"With rapid deterioration of situation in Libya in the last few days, the safety of more than 35,000 Chinese citizens living and working in Libya is at serious and present danger which worries the Chinese government and people.

"When the Chinese government decided to evacuate all Chinese nationals from Libya and asked for kind assistance from the Maltese Government, the response was prompt and adequate with Your Excellency’s personal intervention to all governmental authorities. Chinese government and people are deeply touched by the understanding of your government to our situation and lending a helping-hand in this crucial moment. It embodies best the friendship between Maltese and Chinese people as well as our two governments.

There will be more evacuated Chinese nationals arriving in Malta in the coming days. Chinese government will try our best to bring them back by chartered flights as soon as possible. We hope the evacuation process will continue to receive invaluable support from Your Excellency and your good government."

Meanwhile, earlier today, Foreign Minister Tonio Borg boarded a Chinese-chartered ship in Grand Harbour to thank the Chinese government for having ferried nine Maltese workers from Benghazi.