South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Thursday visited the Chinese Embassy to South Korea to deliver condolences over earthquake victims in China.

"I want to deliver my deep condolences to the Chinese people suffering from an unprecedented earthquake disaster. We wish for swift rescue and recovery operations in China," Lee told Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Ning Fukui after paying respect to the earthquake victims in front of an altar installed at the embassy.

"Please notify the South Korean government of anything necessary to overcome the quake crisis. We're ready to offer maximum support," the president said.

Ning expressed deep gratitude to Lee's personal visit and the assistance by the South Korean government to the earthquake victims.

South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan and other officials visited the embassy together with Lee.

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2008)