(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-10 21:47

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a telephone conversation Tuesday on the earthquake relief in China's quake-stricken areas.

Merkel expressed once again sympathy and condolence to the Chinese side over the earthquake and said Germany is willing to continue providing support and assistance to the Chinese side. She expressed hope that the people in the earthquake-hit areas would rebuild their homes at an early date.

The chancellor said Germany attaches importance to its relations with China and the country will continue to adhere to the one-China policy. She wished the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games a success.

Wen briefed Merkel on the development of China's disaster relief efforts and thanked the German government and the people for their assistance and support.

The premier said that China is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Germany on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit to promote the sound and steady development of bilateral relations.

A 8.0-magnitude earthquake jolted China's southwestern Sichuan Province and neighboring regions on May 12, leaving 69,146 people dead as of Tuesday noon, according to the State Council Information Office.