South Africa Thursday expressed its solidarity with tsunami-hit countries, describing the disaster as the biggest catastrophe humanity has experienced so far in the 21st century.

"For the African continent, particularly South Africa, as the co-organizer of Asia-Africa summit, this tragedy has turned the joy of celebrating the New Year into one of the saddest moments inhuman history. Africa and Asia has been bound together by 350 years of history, cultural linkages and solidarity," said South African Minister of Health Manto Tshabalala-Msimang at the SpecialASEAN Leaders' Meeting on Aftermath of Earthquake and Tsunami heldhere Thursday.

Msimang said that African people have gathered millions of dollars and tons of various materials including food, blankets, water and medicine to help the tsunami-hit countries.

"Furthermore, thousands of volunteers, including doctors, engineers, nurses, social workers and other professionals have come out ready to lend a hand," said the minister.

The minister also noted that this summit was held on the 50th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, which the minister described as "a historic milestone that brought the people of Africa and Asia closer in the struggle for freedom, justice and human rights in Africa and Asia."

"Therefore to us this summit also constitutes our continuing quest for the reconstruction and development of the countries of Asia and Africa, as well as the advancement of South-South cooperation," said Msimang.