China delivers 1,000 tonnes of rice to Syria in food aid

A total of 1,000 tonnes of rice donated by China has been delivered to Syria's northwestern city of Latakia, the Chinese Embassy in Damascus said.

The donation was part of a larger supplies aid to be delivered to the war-torn country in batches in the near future, Xinhua news agency reported.

The statement issued on Monday by the Chinese Embassy in Damascus said the 1,000 tonnes of rice is part of 5,404 tonnes of rice China is pledging to deliver in the near future.

"China is working hand in hand with the Syrian side to secure the rice to be delivered to the Syrian people as soon as possible."

A delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Damascus on Monday visited the port of the coastal city of Latakia in northwestern Syria, where the first shipment arrived.

Latakia Governor Ibrahim Khudr Salem escorted the delegation to the port of Latakia, expressing gratitude for the Chinese food aid.

"Thanks for the aid donated by China and for the supportive stance of the Chinese government and people to the Syrian people in their confrontation of terrorism and the regional schemes to divide Syria," Khudr said.

Chinese Ambassador to Syria, Qi Qianjin, said that Beijing aimed to help the Syrian people in the difficult time the country is passing through.

"We would like, through this food aid, to help the Syrian people in the difficult time of war and this food aid is a clear sign of the firm relations and friendship between the governments and peoples of China and Syria and we will continue to offer all humanitarian and economic help to the Syrian people."

China has been supporting Syria in the humanitarian field since 2011. In May, China declared that it would provide food aid to the developing countries, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by China in 2013 with the aim of building a trade, investment and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

Apart from the cooperation with the humanitarian organisations, China has also made direct donations in Syria.

--IANS

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