The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the President of the Chinese People’s Republic, Xi Jinping, regarding the terrible number of victims of the earthquake in Sichuan province.

Following the text of the message of condolences from President Cavaco Silva:

“Mister President, Excellency,

It was with deep regret that I received the news of the consequences of the Sichuan earthquake. In Portugal, this terrible catastrophe was treated with great regard, particularly for the extraordinary example of courage and solidarity shown by the People of China in assisting the affected population.

In this hour of great sadness, I want to transmit to Your Excellency, to the victims’ families and to the People of China, our very deepest regrets and feelings of solidarity.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”