China donated 47 specialised military vehicles to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces yesterday.
Officiating at the handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji QIAN Bo said he was honoured to hand over the vehicles which were of six different specialised types of military vehicles, that sailed across to the Pacific for 20 days and nights at the end of 2019, whilst Tropical Cyclone Sarai passed over the Fiji waters.
“What is quite dramatic is that, after sailing 20 days and nights on the Pacific, the cargo ship carting these vehicles happened to encounter Tropical Cyclone Sarai in Suva, which interrupted the offloading and held the ship on the sea for another four days and nights,” he said.
Mr Bo said these strenuous efforts were a vivid example of bilateral cooperation between China and Fiji at large.
He said the defence cooperation between the two countries was a cooperation of brothers in enhancing the response capability of the RFMF to natural disaster relief and humanitarian intervention.
“I am glad to learn that these vehicles will come in handy in Fiji’s battle against COVID-19.
“I firmly believe that China-Fiji defence cooperation will contribute to regional peace and stability, which is an integral part of China’s grand commitment and great endeavour to build a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Fiji’s Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs, Inia Seruiratu, acknowledged the vehicles donated by the Chinese Government as they would assist the nation in responding to COVID-19 and Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold.
