President Lee Myung-bak today invited to Cheong Wa Dae 20 Chinese children who lost their parents in the Great Sichuan Earthquake last year. They are visiting Korea May 15-19 at the invitation of the Korea-China Friendship Association for Culture and the Economy.

Today’s visit to Cheong Wa Dae was inspired by a letter sent by a Chinese third grader named Wei Yuehao. President Lee had hugged the boy when he visited the earthquake-devastated region last year. In his letter, he said he would like to meet the Korean President again, and President Lee responded by inviting him and other Chinese children to Cheong Wa Dae.
 

The children sang Chinese songs and performed a Chinese traditional dance for President Lee. The Sichuan Provincial Government gave the President a Chinese folk painting as a gift conveying the best wishes of the residents of Sichuan Province.

The President urged the children, who are still grieving from the loss of their parents, not to abandon their hopes and dreams. In addition, the President stressed that Korea is a good neighbor of China that is ready to give a helping hand whenever needed.