China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin Wednesday said the country will provide another batch of emergency humanitarian supplies, including 25,000 tents and other supplies in dire need to assist Pakistan to overcome the aftermath of devastating floods.
Answering a question during the weekly press briefing regarding the flood situation in Pakistan, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin noted the severe floods raging across Pakistan and the heavy casualties and loss of property ensued.
“We express sincere condolences to the victims, and our hearts go out to the bereaved families, the injured and those in the stricken areas.”
He said China and Pakistan are true friends and good brothers sharing weal and woe and are always ready to help each other in the face of major natural disasters.
He said China will never forget that Pakistan rushed to its assistance after the earthquake hit Wenchuan in 2008 and airlifted all its tents in store to the stricken area.
Wenbin said State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed sympathy to Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for the floods.
He said Under the social and livelihood cooperation framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China has provided 4,000 tents, 50,000 blankets and 50,000 pieces of waterproof canvas and they have been delivered to the frontline of disaster relief.
“Considering the current situation, China has decided to provide another batch of emergency humanitarian supplies, including 25,000 tents and other supplies in dire need, to be delivered as soon as possible. The Red Cross Society of China will provide USD 300,000 in emergency cash assistance to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society.”
Wenbin said China will continue to promote bilateral cooperation in disaster prevention and mitigation and against climate change.
“It is believed that under the leadership of the Pakistani government and with the joint help of the international community, the people in the disaster-hit areas will overcome the difficulties and life and work will go back to normal at an early date.”