China's anti-pandemic emergency supplies arrive in Kiribati

Anti-pandemic emergency supplies donated by China were flown to Kiribati's capital Tarawa on Feb 23.

Chinese Ambassador to Kiribati Tang Songgen, Kiribati Minister of Health and Medical Services Tinte Itinteang and Minister of Internal Affairs Boutu Bateriki received the supplies at the airport.

The medical supplies, transported by a chartered plane, include oximeters, monitors, electrocardiographs, ultrasonic diagnostic systems, masks and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Tang said that since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Kiribati in January this year, China provided the fastest response to Kiribati, helping it overcome shortages of medical equipment and protective supplies with chartered flights to Tarawa.

He said these supplies highlighted the profound friendship between the Chinese government and people and the Kiribati government and people. China will always stand together with Kiribati in the fight against COVID-19, and will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation in pandemic control and public health.

On behalf of Kiribati President Taneti Maamau, as well as its government and people, Itinteang thanked China for the emergency and valuable anti-pandemic assistance and the special arrangement of chartered flights to deliver the supplies. The Chinese embassy and relevant departments made great efforts and invested a lot of resources and energy to ensure the smooth arrival of the supplies.

He said Kiribati looks forward to further cooperation with China in anti-pandemic efforts and public health.

Other large quantities of anti-pandemic materials donated by China will soon arrive in Kiribati by sea.

The chartered plane and anti-pandemic supplies arranged by China [Photo/Chinese Embassy in Kiribati]

Chinese Ambassador to Kiribati Tang Songgen (3rd L) and Kiribati Minister of Health and Medical Services Tinte Itinteang (3rd R) and Minister of Internal Affairs Boutu Bateriki (2nd R) pose for a group photo in front of the anti-pandemic supplies at the airport in Tarawa, Kiribati, Feb 23, 2022. [Photo/Chinese Embassy in Kiribati]