BRUSSELS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A European Union (EU) high-level official spoke highly Friday of the Chinese government for the way it has handled the earthquake situation in Sichuan Province.

    "I have the utmost respect for the way the Chinese government is dealing with this difficult situation," said EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

    She said she would participate in the EU-China Foreign Ministers' Troika meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia, next Monday to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

    "I will use this opportunity to convey directly to Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi my deep condolences with the victims of the terrible earthquake in Sichuan province. The international community will continue to be available for providing any assistance needed," Ferrero-Waldner said.

    On May 12, an 8.0-magnitude earthquake hit Wenchuan County in Sichuan Province. The death toll from the devastating quake rose to 69,130 as of midday Friday.

    Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao rushed to the spot right after the quake, which occurred at 2:28 p.m. local time (0628 GMT), mobilizing troops and police to rescue survivors under the rubble.

    According to a news release from the European Commission, the Troika meeting will focus, in particular, on the latest developments in EU-China relations, the status of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, climate change, sustainable development and other issues of bilateral concern.

    "I am happy to see that EU-China relations have received a positive impetus after our recent commission visit to Beijing," Ferrero-Waldner said.

    "Now it will be vital to keep up this encouraging atmosphere. I am looking forward to advancing our relationship in an array of issues of mutual concern," she added.

    The EU-China Troika meeting follows up the "successful" outcome of a visit by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and eight commissioners to Beijing in April.

    During the trip, both sides confirmed their clear intention to continue to develop the strategic partnership between China and the EU in all areas.

    The Troika meeting will also serve as a preparatory event for the next EU-China Summit, due to take place on Dec.1 in France.