A batch of anti-pandemic supplies donated by Ningxia to the Oromiya Region of Ethiopia set off from Yinchuan on the afternoon of July 9. The supplies, consisting of 30,000 surgical masks, 2,000 disposable medical masks, 2,000 medical protective suits and 2 non-invasive ventilators, will support the Oromiya Region in its fight against COVID-19.

As of July 8, Ethiopia has reported 5,846 confirmed cases and 103 deaths. With the ongoing pandemic spreading fast across the globe, the country is facing an increasingly serious situation with the major difficulty lying in the shortage of anti-pandemic supplies. Ningxia coordinated the donation in a swift manner and contacted the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia to ensure smooth transportation. With joint efforts, the supplies will be delivered to Ethiopia via Beijing today.  

Ningxia and Oromiya were tied as international friendship cities in 2011, kicking off friendly exchanges between the two sides. The cooperation in trade, economy and infrastructure construction has been advancing smoothly, with complementary strengths and great potentials emerging in agriculture, energy and etc. In 2019, Ningxia Communications Construction Co., Ltd. set up Ningxia Communications Construction (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. in Ethiopia, implementing infrastructure projects including the construction of FIK road and the upgrading of Hamusit-Estie road. The two ventilators in the donation were from the company. 

As Africa is hit hard by COVID-19, Ningxia’s support for Oromiya manifests the fraternity between China and Africa and contributes to the building of China-Africa community with a shared future. The move has deepened the precious friendship between the international friendship cities and laid a solid foundation for their future cooperation on all fronts.