Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi visited foreign medical teams working in quake-hit areas on Friday and thanked them for their assistance.

    Yang visited medical teams from Britain, Cuba, Germany, Japan and Russia here in the capital of southwestern Sichuan Province.

    He also expressed gratitude and appreciation to French and Italian medical teams by phone.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (L) shakes hands with a Cuban medical worker who came for the quake related rescue work at Sichuan people's hospital in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 30, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Yang also accompanied the president of the Republic of Korea, Lee Myung-bak, to visit some resettlement sites in quake-hit areas.

    Praising the skills and dedication of the medical personnel, Yang said assistance from the international community and medical teams showcased their friendship with the Chinese people and their humanitarian spirit.

    The medical teams made an active contribution to China's disaster relief efforts, he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (2nd R) shakes hands with a Russian medical worker who came for the quake related rescue work at Jinjiang hotel in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 30, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Yang also expressed the sincere gratitude and appreciation of the teams' work on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

    The medical staff spoke highly of the prompt and effective actions of the Chinese government and people in earthquake relief and thanked the Chinese side for their coordination in the medical treatment effort.

    They also wished the Chinese people would soon overcome the disaster.