Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday welcomed the US assistance to China's reconstruction work in the quake-hit region.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Henrietta Fore, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, July 2, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) 

Wen made the remarks in a meeting with a joint delegation of the US government, business and rescue organizations, which was headed by administrator of Agency for International Development (USAID) Henrietta Fore and Johnson & Johnson CEO William C. Weldon.

The delegation from June 29 to July 2 visited the Yingxiu town, one of the areas worst hit by the May 12 earthquake, to make preparation for the assistance work.

Wen welcomed the delegation to visit the quake-hit region and make research on participating in China's reconstruction efforts.

Wen said China is making nationwide efforts to help people in the quake zone to rebuild their homes and welcomes the support from all circles of the international community, including the assistance of manpower, funds and materials.

It is the first time for the US government to coordinate business and rescue organization to jointly assist China.

Wen said this indicates the friendship between the two peoples, and would help deepen mutual understanding and push forward the growth of China-US relations.

Fore extended the sympathy from the US government to the Chinese people in the quake-hit region.

Fore said the delegation got a comprehensive understanding of the situation in the quake-hit region through this visit, and was touched by the Chinese people's spirit of courage and confidence.

China's response after the disaster happened "set a model for the world," she noted, saying that the United States was ready to offer help.

(Xinhua News Agency July 3, 2008)