Chinese PM thanks Malta for evacuation help
Chinese workers crowded on a ferry which brought them to Malta this morning.
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.
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Bruce Boyle
Feb 27th 2011, 09:52
The irony of it all.
China, with little or no Human Rights for their people thanking Malta who have always been helpful to everyone. Maybe the Chinese government should have a look into how to treat their citizens, they could learn allot from an island like this. Nice job Malta :)
I think this summer will be busy with an influx of tourists wanting to see the most talked about island in recent years. Watch this space.
Joseph Mercieca
Feb 27th 2011, 02:49
I was just beginning to wonder if the news media had anything to say about Malta and the Maltese people, and the aid which they are quietly and efficiently rendering to the "escapees" from Libya - and I read that the Chinese government has officialy thanked Malta for giving succor to Chinese workers. Good for them!
K Miggiani
Feb 26th 2011, 22:35
hilarious! malta trades friendship with one evil regime (Libya) for another (China)
Kristina Miggiani
Feb 28th 2011, 22:18
Kindly note that I, Kristina Miggiani, am not the author of the comments appearing under the name of " K Miggiani", whoever he/she may be.
Robert Zammit
Feb 26th 2011, 21:06
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.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi ???... WRONG WAY!
go see http://f1plus.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110209/local/prime-minister-meets-col-gaddafi
Eric Frendo
Feb 26th 2011, 22:27
get a life! i pity your short memory
G.Mifsud
Feb 27th 2011, 09:09
Robert
Politicians are human beings so is the officials of the Government - I still recall "Iron Lady" Thatcher hadning Caucescu the honoria and days later the fall of communist Romania. What irritates me most that if protesters wanted to show Gonzi with Gaddafi let them not try to police them - where is freeddom of speech and do not let politics infiltrate your dailly life. When id Malta going to be mature to allow such way of life - probably never - Finally well done to those Maltese who helped in the evacuation.
Ron.Camilleri
Feb 26th 2011, 19:50
Well done to the Government and opposition leader who worked hand in hand in this matter. The Maltese people always were kind with other countries who needed help. However these countries are presumeably ready to help us when in need also in the economic level.
Peter Korsten
Feb 26th 2011, 21:50
Funny that people are complaining about Maltese politicians meeting with dictator Gaddafi, but it's all smiles for China. China is not exactly a blossoming democracy either, you know.So much that you can't even search for the word 'jasmine', afraid as the government is for a similar development as what is happening now in the Arab world.
Frank Portelli 2BFRANK
Feb 26th 2011, 18:49
XEJ XEJN
That’s the nearest sound in Maltese for Chinese thank you
Xie-Xie-Ni
You have to hand it to the Chinese – always correct and very polite
XEJ XEJN
J.Attard
Feb 26th 2011, 18:37
At least China is appreciating the help :) .. its good to know that ties with the country is excellent.. and we hope that if we ever needed help that someone would actually help us. Unfortunately many people and countries only think about money money and money. We all live on the same planet , lets live it together !
Clive Gerada
Feb 26th 2011, 17:23
Well done to the Government and the Opposition who are both working hand in hand to give refuge to this people for a temporary period.
raymond agius
Feb 26th 2011, 17:56
Prosit ,God bless our islands.
Michael Vella
Feb 26th 2011, 19:40
I agree! Well done to our politicians who for once are putting political differences behind them and getting on with the job.
Well done and hope many more people can be rescued and brought to Malta safely.