A number of foreign leaders and heads of international organizations have recently sent letters and telegraphs to President Hu Jintao, Chairman Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao or through other forms to express sincere condolences to the Chinese government and people on the rain-triggered mudslides in Zhouqu County in China's northwestern Gansu Province.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin extended their sincere condolences to China over the loss of life caused by the deadly mudslides. They voiced hope those injured would recover as early as possible and the mudslide-hit area would return to normal soon.

Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and Choe Yong Rim, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, also sent their deep sympathies and condolences to China, hoping the people affected would overcome the natural disaster at an early date and resume their normal life under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government.

Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta voiced his deep grief and regret over China's heavy loss of life, saying he firmly believed the Chinese government and people had enough wisdom, determination, strength and ability to overcome any kind of disaster with bravery and dignity.

President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed extended sympathy to the people in the disaster-hit area and condolences to the victims.

Japanese Prime Minister Kan Naoto, on behalf of the Japanese government and people, sent condolences to the victims and expressed sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and people affected by the mudslides, hoping that the people in the disaster area will return to normal life and the region will achieve reconstruction as soon as possible. He also pledged that Japan was ready to offer assistance within its ability to China.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sent the sincerest condolences to the Chinese government and people, expressing belief that the people affected will surely be able to overcome the disaster. “Singapore stands ready to respond if there is any way we can assist,” he said.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung extended the deepest sympathy and condolences to the mudslide-ravaged people on behalf of the Vietnamese government and people. He believed the residents in the disaster area would overcome difficulties and return to a normal life with the care and under the guidance of the CPC and the government.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jabir Ahmed el-Sabah sent his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims, saying he believed the Chinese government would lead the Chinese people through the natural calamity.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed profound condolences to the families of the victims as well as sympathy to the Chinese people, saying France was willing to provide assistance to the disaster-hit area.

German Prime Minister Angela Merkel expressed her condolences to victims' families and all residents in the disaster area, hoping China would overcome the natural disaster soon. She said Germany would as always support China's rescue and relief work.

Croatian Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic extended profound condolences to the victims.

U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton made remarks to offer sincere condolences to the Chinese people.

The Canadian government has also offered profound sympathy to the people in the disaster area, saying Canada stands ready to provide support for China whenever it is needed.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet offered the most profound condolences and sympathy to the Chinese government and people.

The Brazilian government also offered condolences and sympathies to the Chinese government and people.

The Mexican government extended its most sincere condolences to the people and government of China, wishing the disaster-affected people will get back to normal life soon.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement, extending his deepest condolences to the families of those who have died or been injured or lost their homes and possessions. Ban reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to assist in any way should it be required.