The Ministry of National Defence of the People’s Republic
of China yesterday handed over personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other
critical medical equipment to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) for its
Covid-19 response.
The donation includes 62 000 masks and over 19 000 pieces
of personal protective equipment and medical supplies.
Receiving the donations at Manyame Air Base, Defence and
War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the gift was a shot
in the arm.
“It gives us pleasure and honour to receive on behalf of
President and Commander in Chief of the ZDF Cde Mnangagwa, this very important
donation of PPE equipment for Covid-19 response from our all-weather friends,
the People’s Republic of China,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“The President made the fight against this pandemic
Government’s number one priority and declared the disease a national disaster.
He reiterated to the nation that we have to limit, suspend or forego certain
social, economic and recreational activities we have become accustomed to and
jointly make sacrifices if we are to win the fight against this pandemic. The
President emphasised that this is no longer business as usual,” she said.
She said ZDF troops are playing a frontline role in the
maintenance of law and order as well as enforcing lockdown regulations.
“It is important to note that Government’s main message is
prevention, hence our troops were called upon to assist in law and order, a
pillar in enforcing the lockdown regulations promulgated by President
Mnangagwa.
“By virtue of being part of the frontline personnel in the
fight against Covid-19, our troops are exposed to this invisible enemy, we
therefore appreciate this donation which will go a long way to effectively
equip our ZDF to win this battle,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said China had led by example.
Handing over the donation, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe
Mr Guo Shaochun hailed the productive relationship between his country and
Zimbabwe saying the friendship had come a long way since the days of the
liberation struggle.
“China and Zimbabwe enjoy a comprehensive strategic
partnership of cooperation. Our partnership is built on multiple pillars, and
the military to military cooperation is one of the most important,” he said.
“The traditional friendship between the Chinese People’s
Liberation Army (PLA) and the ZDF was fostered by the founding fathers of the
two countries in the 1960s and has continuously strengthened in decades that
followed. The two armies have maintained robust relations between the leaders,
and continuously strengthen cooperation and mutual support in training, medical
services and military education,” he said.
Ambassador Guo Shao Chun said PLA has provided unreserved
support to the growth of the ZDF, which he said was one of PLA’s closest
partner in Africa.
He said that China will continue to stand by Africa in the
fight against Covid-19. Herald
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