Sudanese Minister of Energy and Mining Al-Zubeir Ahmed Al-Hassan donated USD 250,000 on behalf of the staff of his ministry and all Sudanese petroleum workers to the quake-hit areas in Sichuan Province to express their support for quake-relief efforts.

Sincethe May 12 earthquake hit southwestern China's Sichuan Province, the Sudanese people have been paying great attention to the situation. Through media reports on the earthquake, they have been deeply moved by the numerous scenes in which no efforts have been spared to rescue quake victims.

The donation was a result of the minister's call for all Sudanese petroleum workers to donate a day's pay to the quake-hit areas. Mr. Al-Zubeir also sent a letter of consolation to CNPC. In the letter,the Sudanese ministerexpressed his sympathy for the quake victims and wished thatthe Chinese people overcome the impact of the disaster as soon as possible.

"You have made every effort to rescue the people trapped in the ruins, set up temporary tents and provide relief to the victims. Through this, you have once again demonstrated your powerful spirit of national unity to the world," he said.