Speaking on behalf of the Singaporean government and people, Nathan extended his sympathy to the Chinese people in the mudslide-hit areas in Zhouqu County in Gansu.

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Singaporean President S. R. Nathan in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2010.[Liu Weibing/Xinhua]

Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin also met with Nathan Wednesday. During the meeting, Jia said the two nations should enhance exchanges and cooperation in environmental protection, personnel training and the improvement of people's living standards.

Hailing the good-neighborly friendship and expanding cooperation between the two nations, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), also praised relations between China and the ASEAN.

Jia said China and the ASEAN should take the opportunity of next year's 20th anniversary of the China-ASEAN partnership to advance relations between the two sides.

Nathan agreed that Singapore would work with China to expand cooperation between the two nations.

Besides Beijing, Nathan will visit China's economic hub, Shanghai, where the 2010 World Expo is being held.