On April 17 and 18, a number of foreign leaders and heads of international and regional organizations sent letters and telegraphs to President Hu Jintao, Chairman Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman Jia Qinglin or through other forms to express condolence to the Chinese government and people on the earthquake disaster hitting Yushu, Qinghai.

Japanese Emperor Akihito expressed deep grief over the heavy casualties and losses caused by the earthquake, sincere sympathy to the Chinese people and wish to the disaster-hit people to rebuild their homes as soon as possible.

Irish President McAleese extended sincere condolence to the Chinese people and expressed belief that the Chinese people's solidarity will provide the most powerful support for the disaster-hit families to rebuild their homes.

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende expressed deep grief to the deceased in the earthquake, admiration that the Chinese side spares no effort to carry out the relief work and hope that the disaster-hit people turn grief into strength and overcome difficulties at an early date.

Macedonian President Ivanov extended the deepest condolence to the Chinese government and people and indicated confidence that the Chinese people will surely conquer the disaster by holding together.

Polish Senate Speaker Borusewicz expressed deep grief over the deceased in the disaster and sincere sympathy to their families and other affected people.

Lithuanian President Grybauskaite extended the most sincere sympathy to the families of the deceased and other disaster-hit people.

Congo Brazzaville President Sassou expressed sincere condolence to the Chinese people and grief to the deceased.

First Vice-President of Burundi Sahinguvu expressed sincere sympathy to and support for the Chinese people and indicated confidence that under the leadership of the Chinese government the Chinese people will quickly overcome the disaster.

Cape Verde's President Pires extended condolence to the deceased in the earthquake and sympathy to the injured and other affected people and expressed belief that the Chinese government and people will surely conquer the difficulties and win the victory of disaster relief and reconstruction.

Prime Minister of Mauritius Ramgoolam expressed deep sympathy and condolence to the families of the deceased in the earthquake and said that people of Mauritius share sympathy over the earthquake disaster of China and believe the disaster-hit families will be able to bravely get through the sorrowful moment.

President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Alarcon expressed the most sincere and deepest condolence to the Chinese people and indicated confidence that the brave Chinese people will be able to withstand the severe test and overcome the natural disaster.

Prime Minister of Dominica Skerrit extended deep grief over the heavy casualties caused by earthquake and sincere condolence to the Chinese government and people, especially families of the deceased and expressed confidence that the Chinese government by sparing no efforts to carry out the relief work will be able to help the disaster-hit people get rid of difficulties within the shortest possible period of time.

Jamaican Prime Minister Golding expressed sincere condolence to the Chinese government and people, sympathy to families of the deceased and belief that China will definitely conquer the disaster.

Grenada's Prime Minister Thomas extended deep condolence to the Chinese government and people, especially families of the deceased and expressed confidence that the disaster-hit people will be able to rebuild their homes and resume their normal life at an early date.

World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan expressed deep grief to the deceased in the earthquake and sincere condolence to families of the deceased and the injured in the earthquake.

Director General of the International Organization for Migration Swing expressed condolence to the Chinese government and people and indicated confidence that the Chinese people will definitely conquer the disaster and rebuild their homes.

Secretary General of World Meteorological Organization Jarraud extended deep grief and sincere condolence to the injured and deceased in the earthquake and their families.

International Telecommunication Union Secretary General Touré expressed the most sincere condolence to the Chinese government and people.

World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Gurry extended deep condolence and sympathy to the Chinese government and people and said his organization is willing to stand with the Chinese people to get through the difficult moment.

World Economic Forum President Schwab expressed the most sincere condolence to the Chinese government and families of the deceased and noted that the quick relief efforts of the Chinese government are moving and the WEF is willing to overcome the difficulties together with the Chinese people.

Heads of international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Secretariat of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, International Civil Defense Organization, International Organization for Standardization, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, International Road Transport Union, Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Endangered Species all indicated that China has accumulated successful experience of relief after the Wenchuan earthquake and they believe the Chinese government is able to accomplish the relief work and resume people's normal life in the disaster-hit region as soon as possible.

Secretariat of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States extended condolence to the Chinese government and expressed confidence that the disaster relief efforts will surely achieve success.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Albania Meta, Macedonian Foreign Minister Milososki, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bahamas Symonette and Vice Foreign Minister of Ecuador Pozo sent messages of condolence to Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. Presidency country of the Group of 77 Yemen and presidency country of the African Group Côte d'Ivoire as well as the permanent representatives of more than 20 countries to the UN also extended condolence to the Chinese side.