VIENTIANE - The Chinese government donated $30, 000 to Laos on Friday to help repair damage caused by recent flooding in the wake of tropical storms Haima and Nock-Ten.

Chinese Ambassador to Laos Bu Jianguo made the donation at a ceremony held at the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Laos' capital of Vientiane, attended by Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sounthone Xayachak.

Bu said the donation was entrusted by Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi, on behalf of the Red Cross Society of China to the Red Cross Society of Laos, to assist flood victims in Laos.

"We hope the donation will help alleviate the suffering of people in Laos' disaster areas," Bu said, adding "we believe that the Lao people will overcome the natural disaster and rebuild their homes and lives."  

Sounthone expressed appreciation for the Chinese side's generous support, saying the donation represented the deepening Lao-Chinese friendly ties. She explained that the donation would assist in recovery efforts throughout the flood-affected areas in Laos.

Tropical storms Haima and Nock-Ten, which swept Laos on June 24 and July 30 respectively, killed 27 people and caused combined damage of over 240 billion kip (around $30 million).