Jakarta, <strong><em>NU Online</em></strong><br /> Vice President M Jusuf Kalla said a number of foreign countries had expressed their willingness to provide assistance for the handling of the aftermath of the earthquake in West Sumatra.<br /> <br /> "Several countries have expressed readiness to help. Do not forget we also always provide assistance if other countries are hit by disaster," Kalla said after Friday prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque here Friday.<><br /> <br /> The foreign countries that had offered their assistance included Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and many more. But Kalla did not know the value of the offered aid.<br /> <br /> Nevertheless, Kalla said, he thanked the governments of those countries for their goodwill.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulrahman Moh Amin Al-Khayad said , on behalf of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi government and people, he would like to express deep condolences to the families of the earthquake victims.<br /> <br /> "Saudi Arabia will be coordinating with the Indonesian government about any assistance that can be provided by the government of Saudi Arabia," Al-khayad said.<br /> <br /> Saudi Arabia has always been a friend of Indonesia and was now ready to help Indonesia in mitigating the disaster in West Sumatra, he said.<br /> But Al-khhayad could not yet say how much aid his country would extend to Indonesia to overcome the disaster`s impact.<br /> <br /> Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the Indonesian government would welcome all assistance given by other countries. Indonesia would not hinder the despatch of relief aid for the victims of the West Sumatra disaster, he added. (ant)

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