China to provide non-emergency humanitarian materials to Afghanistan

A signing ceremony for the exchange of documents for the non-emergency humanitarian materials project between China and Afghanistan was held in Afghanistan on July 25.

Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Liu Jinsong and Fahim, Afghan minister of disaster management and humanitarian affairs, signed the documents on behalf of the two governments.

A signing ceremony for the exchange of documents for the non-emergency humanitarian materials project between China and Afghanistan is held in Afghanistan on July 25. [photo/cidca.gov.cn]

Fahim highly appreciated China's assistance and support for peaceful reconciliation and post-war reconstruction in Afghanistan, especially China's long-term support for the reconciliation process that is "led and owned by Afghanistan".

Fahim said that Afghanistan is a country with frequent natural disasters. The impact of last year’s drought has not been eliminated, and floods have occurred in many places this year. In recent years, the Chinese government has repeatedly provided emergency humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people who have suffered from snowstorms, droughts and floods. The Afghan side is deeply grateful for this. Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, the food aid provided by the Chinese government has been successfully distributed to affected families.

The signing ceremony once again shows that China is a good neighbor and good friend of Afghanistan and has been sincerely helping its people. It is believed that the two sides will further deepen cooperation and their friendly relations.

Liu said that what gives him a sense of accomplishment in his tenure as ambassador was seeing completion of several humanitarian aid projects.

China and Afghanistan have a tradition of helping each other. In the past few years, China has provided a large amount of relief food and materials for Afghanistan, as well as cash assistance. The Chinese government will once again provide relief supplies such as tents and blankets to the Afghan government and people to help improve the ability of the Afghan side to prepare for and reduce disasters. This is a gift from China for the upcoming centennial of Afghan independence and the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha .

Ambassador Liu delivers a speech at the ceremony. [photo/cidca.gov.cn]

Liu said that China has done its utmost to provide various kinds of assistance to Afghanistan, but not because China is rich. In fact, Chinese people are also often affected by disasters, and there are many places where funds and materials are needed. The reasons why China has worked hard for various disasters in Afghanistan are that, firstly, providing assistance for peaceful reconstruction in Afghanistan accords with the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and the Chinese government is serious about delivering on its solemn promise. Secondly, China and Afghanistan are good neighbors, friends, partners, and brothers with a tradition of helping each other. When China faced big disasters, the Afghan people also lent a helping hand even though they were not that rich, and the Chinese people will surely return the favor. Thirdly, the Chinese people feel the pain of the long-term war torturing the Afghan people and have always had a sense of justice and compassion. Helping others and providing international public goods is also part of China's diplomatic concepts concerning major powers and neighbors.

Ambassador Liu shows photos reflecting the friendship between the elder leaders of China and Afghanistan. [photo/cidca.gov.cn]

Every grain, tent and blanket provided by China to Afghanistan is full of deep affection, said Liu. The friendship between the two countries through thousands of years of history has been cared for by generations of leaders. The ancient and modern Silk Road has enhanced our common interests. The struggle for national independence and safeguarding national sovereignty has strengthened our common feelings.

Food provided by China to Afghanistan. [photo/cidca.gov.cn]

This kind of heartfelt feeling between the two peoples and the willingness to develop friendly relations regardless of boundaries, ethnic groups and regions is the secret of the long-standing relationship between China and Afghanistan. It is hoped that people from all walks of life in the two countries will continue to safeguard and develop this precious friendship. China wishes the people of Afghanistan safe and healthy lives.

A signing ceremony for the exchange of documents for the non-emergency humanitarian materials project between China and Afghanistan is held in Afghanistan on July 25. [photo/cidca.gov.cn]