South Korean Foreign Minister Ryu Myuang-hwan on Monday visited the Chinese Embassy to South Korea to express condolences to victims of the May 12 earthquake in Chinese southwestern province of Sichuan.

Ryu mourned the victims of the disaster at the embassy, saying he expects the Chinese government and the Chinese people will unite to overcome the disaster.

He told Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Ning Fukui that the South Korean government will continue to develop the friendship with China and will provide assistance if China needs.

Gang Jae-sup, Chairman of South Korea's ruling Grand National Party (GNP), also visited the Chinese Embassy on Monday and expressed deep sympathy for the victims.

Foreign diplomats in Seoul, including Singaporean Ambassador to Seoul Chua Phia Keong, also visited the Chinese embassy Monday afternoon and expressed their condolences to Chinese victims in the quake.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)