A TOTAL of US$1.1 million has been donated by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan's government to the relief efforts in the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake in the People's Republic of China, according to the Chinese ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.

Tong Xiaoling said this during a reception yesterday at her residence to show appreciation for the donations and condolences from the Bruneian government and people.

She also added that $700,000 has been donated by individuals from the local community.

She mentioned that since the day after the earthquake, which occurred on May 12, 2008, Bruneians have been coming to the Chinese embassy to make donations, a gesture that Tong described as deeply touching.

The ambassador related that these acts of goodwill represented the "centuries-long, profound and true friendship" between the two nations and its peoples.

"All the facts have proven that Brunei Darussalam has always been one of China's true friends," Tong said.

In this light, she expressed her most sincere gratitude towards His Majesty's government and the people of Brunei.

According to the ambassador, a reported 3.1 billion Yuan in donations has been collected internationally as of July 20, 2008. "China has achieved an important victory over the quake relief," she said.

She mentioned that the rescue work to the affected areas have almost been finished, with the focus now on reconstruction of the damaged areas.

The Chinese central government is determined to complete all the reconstruction work within three years' time, she added.

Yesterday's ceremony also aimed to showcase that China was still adamant in hosting the Olympic Games 2008.

Tong also took the opportunity to announce that His Majesty will be departing tomorrow for China to witness the Games.

She said that the trip is a gesture of the monarch's "friendly gesture and visible support" towards China and the Olympic movement.

"I believe that His Majesty's visit will further promote the traditional friendship between Brunei Darussalam and China," she said.

An exhibition was set up on the residence's pool-side which displayed photographs of the preparation of the Olympics as well as images of relief work being conducted in China.

The guest on honour at the event was Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad Hj Daud, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The ministry was involved with the Cyclone Nargis Myanmar and China Earthquake Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was set up to collect donations from the public.

Also present yesterday were heads of diplomatic missions and embassies, donors to the relief fund and other invited guests.

The Sichuan earthquake, which measured a magnitude of eight on the Richter scale, was the strongest earthquake since the People's Republic was founded. As of July 29, 69,200 deaths were recorded, with 18, 195 people still missing and unaccounted for.

The Brunei Times