Covid-19: China donates epidemic prevention materials to the Maldives

The People's Republic of China has donated epidemic prevention materials required for the treatment of Covid-19 to the Maldives.

During a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid thanked the Government of China for their donation of epidemic prevention materials such as medical protective masks, surgical masks, single-use sterile rubber surgical gloves, protective goggles and clothing.

Noting that the protective equipment will assist the Maldives' medical staff and professionals in their efforts against the spread of Covid-19, Minister Shahid highlighted the role of the Southeastern nation as an important development partner of the Maldives.

Further, he stressed the importance of the international community staying united in the fight against the pandemic and applauded the measures taken by the Chinese government to curb the spread of the virus.

Speaking at the same ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Lizhong reiterated China's commitment to providing the assistance required by the Maldives and commended the stringent measures taken by the Maldives government to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

The Chinese Ambassador and minister Shahid - on March 16th - held discussions where the pair discussed a detailed list of vital items in assisting the Maldives in its fight against Covid-19.

As such, opposition members have continuously asserted that the delay in aid from China is due to the incumbent government rejecting assistance from the Southeastern Asian nation.

Both the Ambassador and the government have denied these claims with the ambassador recently revealing that the delay is due to challenges in transport caused by the consequent suspension of international air travel due to the pandemic.