STANDING TOGETHER: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf goes to the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad to extend his condolences and support to the Chinese Government and people on May 14, after the deadly earthquake hit Sichuan Province. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui thanked the president for his sympathy and support

World leaders and government officials have extended their condolences to China over the deadly earthquake that jolted heavily populated Sichuan Province in the southwest of the country on May 12. They also expressed their support for the efforts made by the Chinese Government and the Chinese people in disaster relief and rescue.

The same day, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon expressed sadness and sympathy for the victims of the earthquake.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent a message of solace to Chinese President Hu Jintao over the earthquake, expressing his sympathy with the quake-hit victims.

Medvedev asked the Chinese leader to convey his words of solace to the relatives and friends of those who were killed in the quake and wished a speedy recovery to the survivors. "We are ready to help if necessary," said the Russian president.

U.S. President George W. Bush also extended his condolences to China over the earthquake. "I extend my condolences to those injured and to the families of the victims of today's earthquake in China's Sichuan Province. I am particularly saddened by the number of students and children affected by this tragedy," Bush said in a statement. "The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the Chinese people, especially those directly affected. The United States stands ready to help in any way possible."

Officials from the EU also conveyed their condolences to the quake victims of China.

In a message to Premier Wen Jiabao, President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said, "The European Union is ready to support your work in whatever way it can, and our humanitarian experts are already on standby to assist, if the need arises."

Javier Solana, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, said, "On behalf of the European Union, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and the government of China," adding that the EU was ready to assist.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy also offered support. "I would like to let you know that I am deeply moved and would like to assure you of France's support for the Chinese people in this difficult moment," Sarkozy said in a letter to President Hu.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel sent her condolences to Premier Wen. She said the German Government was ready to provide speedy assistance to China.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he valued China's rapid and effective reaction to the disaster highly.

British Queen Elizabeth II expressed shock and regret over the human and property losses caused by the quake, and extended deep condolences and solace to the Chinese people.