Chinese Premier Li Keqiang expressed his gratitude Tuesday for the international sympathy and aid China has received after the country suffered a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Lushan, Sichuan Province on Saturday.

Li said the earthquake has caused serious casualties and property losses, and the Chinese Government has been engaged in rescue and relief work and made utmost efforts to save lives, treat the wounded and settle the affected people.

"The relief work is happening efficiently and orderly, and the people all over the country have offered their supports in their various ways," Li said in his meeting with visiting President Somsak Kitasuranont of the National Assembly of Thailand (NAT) in Beijing.

Li said the Chinese Government already started to plan the post-disaster reconstruction, expressing his appreciation of the international community for their concerns and support for China's disaster relief and post-quake reconstruction.

"With power from all sides, we are confident in relieving the disaster and rebuilding our homes," Li said.

He also hailed China-Thailand relations, voicing his hope that the two nations can further their cooperation at a higher level and in bigger sphere.

China supports the establishment of an ASEAN community and backs the leading role played by the ASEAN on East Asia affairs, Li told Somsak. Li noted China will work with Thailand to continue to boost the development of the China-ASEAN relations.

Somsak spoke highly of the rescue mission launched by the Chinese government, highlighting that Thailand is committed to stepping up their substantial cooperation with China in various fields and strengthen the bilateral coordination on the regional and international issues.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2013)