Premier Wen Jiabao, who arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday to attend the Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on the Aftermath of the Earthquake and Tsunami, urged Chinese rescue workers in the region to stay the course until their mission is completed.

Speaking to them by phone shortly after his arrival, Wen said the earthquake-triggered tsunami was a catastrophe for all humanity and the relief they are providing embodies the Chinese people's desire to support those in disaster-hit countries.

Chinese doctors have joined the operations and will face many difficulties, Wen said, adding that he hoped the team, with the support of the government and people of China, will fulfill their mission and return home successfully.

Wen wrote New Year's cards for every team member, and a delegation to the region will later convey gifts brought by the premier.

The 35-member search and rescue team began treating tsunami survivors and helping to prevent disease as soon as it arrived last Friday in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh that was devastated by the tsunamis.

So far, they have treated some 3,000 people and retrieved dozens of bodies of tsunami victims.

In Thailand and Sri Lanka, another 41 Chinese doctors are providing medical treatment for more than 3,000 people.

(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2005)