Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for helping the country re-build after being hit by the tsunami.

He thanked an official Chinese delegation, who visited the Maldives, headed by Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei.

Wu Dawei said the delegation is investigating what support is required in the county, so the government can allocate aid to specific areas.

Meanwhile the United Nations is urged country donors to implement their donations as soon as possible as the international community continues their efforts in countries hit by tsunamis.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, has also visited the Maldives saying he is confident people in the effected countries can have a normal life with assistance from overseas.

The World Wildlife Fund is reminding governments not to ignore the environment when doing reconstruction work in effected areas. The group says a healthy environment lessens the impact natural disasters have on the lives of humans.

(CRI.com January 11, 2005)