On 17th March, the first batch of Tropical Cyclone Winston disaster relief materials donated by the Chinese Government arrived in Fiji. At 3 p.m., a cargo plane chartered by the Chinese Government, carrying more than 200 tents, landed at the Nausori International Airport. H.E. Ambassador ZHANG Ping and Hon. Jone Usamate, Minister for Health and Medical Services were at the airport to receive the aid materials, together with the officials from the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, National Disaster Management Office of Fiji.

Ambassador ZHANG said at the handover ceremony that the Chinese Government and people have been concerned about the difficult situation in Fiji. At the request of the Fijian Government, the Chinese Government managed to procure within 15 days a variety of disaster relief materials including tents, generators, first aid kits, electric torches, water purification tablets and wasted no time to charter all the available cargo planes to deliver these emergency relief supplies to Fiji. A friend in need is a friend indeed. China’s provision of disaster relief assistance to Fiji is another vivid example of China-Fiji friendship, and fully showcases the true nature of the China-Fiji Strategic Partnership of Mutual Respect and Common Development established during President Xi Jinping’s successful state visit to Fiji in 2014. “We believe, under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Bainimarama and the Fijian Government, and with the help from the international community, the Fijian people will surely prevail over the disaster and rebuild their homeland.” Ambassador ZHANG said.

Minister Usamate, on behalf of H.E. President Konrote, Hon. Prime Minister Bainimarama and the Government and People of Fiji, extended heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the Chinese leaders, the Chinese Government and people for the timely and considerate assistance. The Minister said, “In our time of need, while there are still people who are living in schools because of no access to water, problems with medication and the lack of light, we really really appreciate the fact that the Chinese government has been able to organize this aid. The materials delivered would make a significant difference to the life of Fijian people. We will always remember and appreciate the assistance that China provided to us.”

Earlier in the day, a Boeing 747 Jumbo cargo jet carrying tents arrived at Nadi International Airport. Mr. YANG Xunlei, the economic and commercial counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Hon. Seruiratu, Minister for Agriculture and National Disaster Management, received the relief items.

Fijian Media organization including Fiji TV, FBC, Fiji Sun made full coverage of the arrivals of the first batch of Chinese disaster relief materials and spoke highly of China’s assistance.