On May 19, 2008, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met in the Foreign Ministry with his Belgian counterpart Karel De Gucht, who is here to attend a ceremony for Belgium's donation of a large sculpture to the Beijing Olympic Games at the invitation of the Beijing Municipal Government.

Karel De Gucht also signed the condolence book for the quake victims. He, on behalf of the Belgian government, expressed profound condolences to the victims of the Wenchuan earthquake, saying that the Belgian government would continue to provide China with relief and medical assistance. Karel De Gucht also made positive comments on bilateral ties and expressed his wishes for the success of the Beijing Olympics.

Yang Jiechi expressed thanks for Belgium's donation and material supplies to help relieve the quake impact, stressing that the Chinese government and its people would further unite and claim victory against the earthquake. Yang said China is ready to work with Belgium to push bilateral ties to a higher level.

The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.