Following the catastrophic earthquake which took the lives of more than 700 people in China, the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov sent letter of condolences to the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Hu Jintao. Enclosed you will find the text of the letter in full.

Respected Mr. President,

With profound sorrow I received the news on the huge tragedy that struck your country. I am deeply saddened for the lost lives, for the enormous and irremediable damages caused by this natural disaster.

In these moments of deep sorrow for you, your country and the friendly Chinese people, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, I convey heartfelt condolences.

Respected Mr. President, I am convinced that solidarity and humanity will alleviate the consequences of this huge tragedy.

Please, convey the expressions of profound condolences to the families of those who tragically died in this catastrophe. I assure you that the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia share the feeling of compassion with you.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov