The Chinese authorities' efficient and timely earthquake relief efforts have gained the praise of the whole world, Egyptian officials and experts said Monday.

Youssef Amin Wali, political bureau member of Egypt's ruling National Democratic Party, made the remarks in a written statement to Xinhua when the Chinese people at home and abroad mourned tens of thousands of their compatriots killed in an earthquake that hit the nation's southwest a week ago.

"From the first moment we were shocked about the news of the horrible earthquake which hit Sichuan Province recently," said Wali, who is also chairman of the Egypt-China Friendship Association.

He expressed his association's deep sorrow and sympathy to the Chinese people, saying association members were "sharing their feelings and mourning."

"We are sure that the people of China, with the real support of the friends everywhere, will overcome this disaster," he said.

Abouelela Amin Mohammed, head of the department of seismology in the National Institute of Research on Astronomy and Geography, also praised the Chinese government's rapid and efficient response to the earthquake.

China has received many domestic and overseas donations, as well as foreign relief teams, to help with the relief work, Mohammed said, adding that foreign nations would like to give a hand to China during this disaster as China provided much assistance to other countries when they were in need.

He said that in 1992, China provided relief assistance to Egypt after a strong earthquake hit the country.

Abdel Aziz Hamdi, a sinologist in Egypt's famed Al-Azhar University, highlighted Chinese leaders' visits to the earthquake-hit areas, which he said expressed the Chinese government's deep concern over the victims.

"The Chinese people will not be discouraged by any difficulties. The earthquake will not affect the Beijing Olympics," he said. "After the earthquake disaster, the Chinese people will gain more solidarity and common will."

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)