H.E. Mrs. Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, phoned Ambassor Liu Biwei on Tuesday morning and, on behalf of the Irish people and government and in her own name, expressed her sincere condolence to and sympathy with the Chinese Government and Chinese people for the severe earthquake which struck the south western part of China on Monday, 12 May 2008. The President also assured Ambassador Liu of Ireland's firm support to China's efforts in the disaster relief and the readiness to render assisance.

On behalf of President Hu Jintao, the Chinese Government and Chinese people, Ambassador Liu expressed his deep gratitude to President McAleese and through Her Excellency to the Irish people. He said, "We all believe that 'A friend in need is a friend indeed', your condolence reflects the solid foundation of the friendship between our two countries and will be cherished for ever by the Chinese people."

Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Micheál Martin T.D. and Secretary General Mr. Dermot Gallagher phoned Ambassador Liu respectively as well to express their condolence.

The earquake, measured 7.8 Richter scale, occurred at about 2.30pm (7.30 am Irish time) on Monday in Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, China. So far, it is reported that over 10,000 people died in the disaster. The Chinese Government immediately announced the earthquake and carried out the disaster relief efforts.