Epidemic-fighting supplies that Zhuhai donated to cities of sisterhood and friendly exchange in South Korea, France, Italy, and Portugal have generated expressions of much appreciation from local officials and the foreign press.

In late March, for instance, 120,000 medical masks were shipped to France. They passed French customs inspection in mid-April and were forwarded to front-line medical institutions. Achille Hourde, mayor of Jaignes, responded by saying, "A friend in need is a friend indeed" and a testament to firm Sino-French friendship.  

Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice, sent a letter of appreciation for 20,000 donated masks to be distributed to those in need. He was relieved that the pandemic in Zhuhai has come increasingly under control with local anti-epidemic measures.

Packages to Costa Rica's Esparza state "Unidos podemos con todo," which translates into "United, we will win" [File photo by Zhang Weining]

Yeom Tae-young, mayor of Suwon in South Korea, also organized a reception ceremony and issued a letter calling the donation of 20,000 medical masks a great help to local residents in such a difficult time.

Luís Correia, mayor of Castelo Branco in Portugal, sent a message acknowledging Zhuhai's support during the outbreak with wishes that Castelo Branco, Zhuhai, and the entire world could unite to win this fight.  

Virginio Merola, mayor of Bologna in Italy, spoke effusively of effective cooperation between the Zhuhai Foreign Affairs Office and Embassy of Italy in China after receiving a donation of 20,000 masks. The city's official website also posted an article titled Love From China, which states that Zhuhai in recent years has cooperated well with Bologna in various fields including urban planning, environment, business, culture, innovation, and education.

Moreover, the French European Times, South Korean Gyeong-In Daily, and Italy's La Spezia newspaper and website also reported on the donations from Zhuhai.

Soon, the Zhuhai Foreign Affairs Office will to help the international community contend with the battle against COVID-19 by sending letters of condolence and donations and sharing medical experience.