China-aided emergency assistance supplies to Syria handed over in Damascus

The China-aided emergency humanitarian assistance supplies to Syria arrived in Damascus on Feb 15, 2023. Chinese Ambassador to Syria Shi Hongwei, Deputy Minister of Local Administration and Environment of Syria Moutaz Douaji, and President of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Khaled Hboubati attended the handover ceremony at the airport.

Shi said that China and Syria, despite being separated by thousands of miles, have always been good and true friends that help and look out for each other. Since the earthquake hit, China’s head of state has sent a message of condolence to his Syrian counterpart. China wasted no time in initiating emergency humanitarian assistance and accelerated the assistance of 30 million yuan ($4.38 million) to Syria.

Shi introduced that the arriving supplies, a total of 80 tons, include first aid kits, winter coats, tents, and blankets, as well as emergency medical supplies, such as ventilators, anesthesia machines, and oxygen generators, in the hope that they will help Syria overcome the impacts of the disaster and restore normal order in the disaster-hit areas as soon as possible. He added that China is also speeding up the implementation of the ongoing food aid program, worth 30 million yuan. Assistance supplies from China’s Red Cross Society have already arrived in Damascus in two batches, and local Chinese citizens and companies are proactively participating in the relief work. Shi said that the Chinese government and people stand side-by-side with the Syrian government and people at this difficult time. Going forward, China will continue to respond to Syria's requests and make greater contributions to support Syria's earthquake relief and post-disaster reconstruction, he said.

The Syrian side said that chartered planes from China arrived in Syria one after another, bringing relief supplies urgently needed by Syria and, more importantly, the warmth and friendship of the Chinese people to the Syrian people. Facts have shown again that Syria and China are good friends and good brothers who share weal and woe. Syria deeply appreciates the support and selfless assistance of the Chinese government, and is ready to keep close contact with China on matters such as supply distribution and post-disaster reconstruction. Syria is confident that, with the support of friendly countries such as China, Syria will overcome the disaster swiftly and rebuild their homeland.