On January 5, 2005, Premier Wen Jiabao who was in Jakarta to attend the Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on the Aftermath of the Earthquake and Tsunami met in the capital city of Indonesia with leaders from disaster-stricken countries, including President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of Maldives, Special Envoy and Foreign Minister Surakiat Sathirathai of Thailand and Special Envoy and Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar of Sri Lanka.

Premier Wen first expressed his sympathy to the people of the countries hit by the devastating earthquake and tsunami and his condolence to the victims on behalf of the Chinese government and people as well as President Hu Jintao. He said the task of disease prevention and reconstruction remains severe following the disaster relief efforts. China has decided to increase assistance to disaster-stricken countries. Civil organizations such as the Chinese Red Cross Society and the general public from all walks of life also launched donation initiatives. He said, as a developing country, China is not rich. However, China's assistance is selfless. We take the difficulties of our neighbors as our own and will definitely fulfill our commitments. We will also provide full support within our capacity on the basis of the specific requirements of disaster-hit countries.

The leaders of the countries thanked the Chinese government and people for their sympathy and support at such a difficult time. They noted that China's assistance has alleviated the burden of disaster-hit countries and has played a significant role in disaster relief.

When meeting with Susilo, Wen said Indonesia was the worst hit and devastated. We are very concerned about it. The Chinese government will continue to provide assistance to Indonesia and is ready to send epidemic prevention experts and medics teams to participate in post-disaster disease prevention and treatment efforts in Indonesia. We would also like to help Indonesia repair such infrastructure as roads, bridges and power stations and such public utilities as schools and hospitals. With substantial experience in collecting meteorological information and monitoring earthquakes, China would like to help Indonesia set up earthquake monitoring facilities, improve monitoring sites and networks, and train staffs in the field. Susilo thanked Wen for his kindness and welcomed Chinese businesses to participate in the reconstruction of disaster-stricken areas in Indonesia. He also indicated that located in the area with frequent earthquakes Indonesia might witness similar disasters in the future. As a result, it is very necessary to establish an alarming mechanism. Indonesia hopes China can help train professionals in earthquake and tsunami prediction.