The Chinese government has donated one thousand eight hundred and seventy metric tonnes of rice worth 20 million Chinese Yuan (RMB), to Zambia through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).

ZANIS reports that handing over the food items at DMMU in Lusaka, Chinese Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Wang Sheng said that the donation is the first batch of China’s emergency food aid to Zambia.

Mr Sheng explained that the food aid was an outcome of the meeting between President Hakainde Hichilema and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, and an important part of the Ten Partnership Actions of the Beijing Summit of the forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

He explained that during a meeting last September in Beijing, the two leaders reached a consensus on sharing development opportunities and working together to promote modernisation of their respective countries.

Mr Sheng acknowledged the recent droughts experienced in the country which threatened food security and basic livelihoods.

“The Chinese government will keep its word and deliver on its promises, and will continue to fully implement all measures to help Zambia develop,” Mr Sheng stated.

DMMU National Coordinator, Gabriel Pollen expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for the food assistance, noting that it will go a long way in assisting and improving the lives of local people.

Dr Pollen said that the donation was a testament of the power of international solidarity and cooperation.

“We are proud to partner with the government of China in this endeavor and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future,” Dr Pollen stated.

He directed the disaster humanitarian operation management directorate to facilitate the immediate dispatch and distribution of the food aid to the needy households and ensure transparent accountable distribution.