China delivers humanitarian aid to quake-hit Ecuador

Airport staff unload the humanitarian aid materials at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, April 27, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

"Help from your country is very important and timely to alleviate the human and infrastructural disaster left by the terrible earthquake," she said.

Foreign Minister Guillaume Long said China's assistance for post-disaster management would benefit thousands of victims.

"It is in this moment of difficulty that arise true friends. Ecuador thanks them. It's been years that our two countries have established this relationship of brotherhood," Long said while highlighting the progress of bilateral relations over the past nine years.

For his part, Defense Minister Ricardo Patino welcomed the aid given by China as it has a great significance for those affected by the disaster.

Patino said the arrival of Chinese tents and beds "will help us a lot," while noting that this contribution is the result of the "strong and deep" strategic partnership of the two countries.

The 7.8-magnitude quake, which struck the northern Pacific coast of Ecuador on April 16, has caused heavy losses of human lives and massive property damage in the South American country. According to Ecuadorian authorities, the death toll has risen to well over 650 and close to 7,000 buildings have been destroyed.