May 12, 2009, 6:46 GMT
Beijing - Chinese President Hu Jintao thanked the global community for supporting relief efforts after last year's Sichuan earthquake, which left about 87,000 people dead or missing, state media said Tuesday.
'The assistance from the international community strongly supported China's disaster relief and reconstruction efforts, showcased grand humanitarianism and sincere friendship with the Chinese people,' Hu was quoted as telling 30 diplomats who were invited to Sichuan Monday, a day ahead of the first anniversary of the 7.9-magnitude quake.
China said it had received relief cash and goods valued at 76.7 billion yuan (11.2 billion dollars) from local and international donors after the quake.
Hu noted that nations including Russia and Japan also sent rescuer workers and doctors to quake-hit areas.
In the weeks after the quake, governments, groups and individuals from about 160 nations and international organizations sent funds and relief materials, he said.
China used the international aid for projects such as rebuilding homes, roads, schools, hospitals and other important infrastructure, Hu said.
It employed 'vigorous oversight' to ensure effective use of international donations, Hu told the diplomats and representatives from the United Nations and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Hu was scheduled to attend a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the quake later on Tuesday.
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